Minute Silence And Vigil For An Island In Mourning

An island-wide minute silence be observed on Monday (12 December) as a mark of respect for the lives lost in the two tragedies of the past few days.

The Bailiff is asking islanders to pause for one minute at 11am on Monday.

Sir Tim Le Cocq says it is a moment to 'pause together and reflect on the incidents that have resulted in loss of life.'

An explosion - suspected to have been caused by a gas leak - destroyed a three-storey block of flats in St Helier on Saturday morning.

Three people are confirmed dead, and up to a dozen remain unaccounted. 

Rescuers have said they do not expect to find any more survivors in the debris of Haut du Mont flats on Pier Road, and that they are now making a 'meticulous and painstaking' search for bodies that is likely to 'take weeks'.

The devastating blast came two days after three fishermen - Michael Michieli, Larry Simyun and Jervis Baligat - were lost at sea in a collision with a freight ship off Jersey's west coast. 

Flags are to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the victims of both disasters.

The Bailiff has asked for them to be lowered from 8am on 12 December until sunset on Friday 23 December.

The Town Church will hold a vigil service at 6pm on Wednesday 14 December.

It will be led by the Dean of Jersey, the Very Reverend Mike Keirle, so islanders can come together in these dark times.

People will also be able to watch the service on livestream as the church has limited capacity.

Reserved seating will be provided for those with close connections to those who are missing or have passed away.  It will be allocated by contacting the Chief Officer of the Bailiff's Chambers via email.

Sir Tim Le Cocq and Chief Minister Deputy Kristina Moore have agreed to create the Bailiff's Island Appeal.

It aims to support individuals that have been affected by the maritime and the Pier Road incidents.

Details for islands hoping to donate will be made available soon, and the fund will close on 23 December 2022.