Memorial service held for Jersey tragedies

The service was held at the Town Church

A service and minute's silence has been held to remember 13 people who died in two tragedies in Jersey one year ago.

The service, at the Town Church, remembered the sinking of the fishing boat L'Ecume II on 8 December 2022, as well as an explosion that destroyed a block of flats at Haut du Mont in the early hours of 10 December 2022.

Jersey's Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq said the community would support those affected "in mind and spirit".

He said during the service it was "entirely appropriate" the island "comes together" to "remember the victims who lost their lives on both land and at sea".

'Express our support'

An explosion destroyed a block of flats in St Helier - killing 10 people

Sir Timothy added: "They were effectively a single shock and something that I think probably fixes in the minds of people not as a single incident, but as things so closely linked that it's appropriate to treat them in a way as a single set of tragic events."

During the service he said: "This evening, we are all here for different reasons – a son, daughter, a family member, an emergency responder, an old friend, an islander.

"By coming together, we remember those tragically lost."

The Dean, The Very Reverend Mike Keirle, said: "I heard the most amazing stories when the families of the Haut du Mont explosion were checking into the town hall, how people came from the streets to help or to buy something to help them.

"It does show Jersey at its best, and I think the service tonight really gives us defined space, if you like, and a moment where we can express our support for the families."

A one-minute silence is also set to be held on Friday and on Sunday, both at 12:00 GMT.

The service was held on Thursday