Service for fishing boat and explosion victims

Islanders including chief executive of the public service Suzanne Wylie and Chief Minister Kristina Moore laid flowers to remember the victims following the two tragedies in 2022

A service will be held in Jersey to mark the first anniversary of two tragedies in Jersey, in which thirteen people died.

Three men died in the sinking of L’Ecume II fishing vessel on 8 December 2022 and a further ten people died following an explosion at a block of flats in St Helier two days later.

The service will be led by the Dean of Jersey and has been put together by Jersey's Bailiff, who said he hopes to reassure the families the community is with them at a difficult time.

It will be held at the Town Church on Thursday 7 December, and there will also be a one minute silence held at 12:00 on 8 December and 10 December.

The bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq said: "It seems hard to comprehend that a year has already passed since these incidents took place that so shocked the whole community.

"At this time many families will understandably revisit that feeling of loss and sadness when recalling the last time they saw their loved ones in person."

He added: "I hope the island service will allow us to come together to remember those who were lost in December 2022, and provide some reassurance to those affected that we as a community are with them in mind and spirit at this time".

Anyone wishing to attend is requested to be seated by 17:45 (GMT).

The service will be live-streamed via the Bailiff of Jersey social media channels.