Jersey: Vigil held for victims of two tragedies

The service has been led by the Dean of Jersey, the Very Reverend Mike Kierle

People in Jersey have attended a vigil to pay their respects to the victims of two fatal tragedies that took place within two days of each other.

Eight people have been confirmed dead after an explosion destroyed a block of flats on Saturday in St Helier, with one other feared dead.

Three fishermen were missing after their vessel crashed on Thursday.

The Dean of Jersey, the Very Rev Mike Keirle, described the "shock, grief and confusion" caused by the tragedies.

Describing the vigil as a "focal point for collective grief", he said he hoped people would find "peace in the turmoil, light in the darkness and hope in our fears".

Vice Adm Jeremy Kyd CBE, Lieutenant Governor of Jersey, described a "brutal week scarred by two shocking events".

Referring to the "unthinkable news" of the three "loved and respected men" on the Jersey fishing vessel, Mr Kyd said friends, family and islanders were coming to terms with the "terrible loss" when the explosion in St Helier had inflicted the largest loss of live of any single incident in Jersey's living memory.

Vice Adm Jeremy Kyd CBE, Lt Governor of Jersey offered his deepest condolences

He paid tribute to those who responded "immediately and magnificently" to the unfolding tragedy, describing police, paramedics and other responders as "our community's stalwart sentinels".

Vice Adm Kyd said Jersey had "rallied" to help those affected by the "rawness of loss", providing shelter, warmth, food and a listening ear.

"If there is any light in this darkness it is the sense of humbleness and pride in seeing community, businesses and services responding with such dedication and compassion," he said.

Vice Adm Kyd described the community's "absolute and heartfelt" support in the days and months ahead for those grieving following the tragedies.

He added: "On behalf of his Majesty the King and all islanders, may I offer our deepest condolences.

"Simple words cannot begin to match the depth of your sorrow or quench the pounding sense of loss you are feeling."

"You are not alone," he said, describing an "outpouring of grief and support" from across the entire island and "beyond our shores".

Twelve candles were lit to commemorate those lost or missing

Among those to give readings were Chief Minister Deputy Kristina Moore and Sir Timothy Le Cocq, the Bailiff of Jersey.

Silence fell as the 12 names of those lost or missing were read out and members of the congregation were invited to light candles to commemorate them on behalf of their families.

Representatives from groups who had provided support for the displaced and bereaved, or who had helped with search operations or in other ways, were then invited to light smaller candles.

The congregation stood together to observe two minutes' silence.

Top row, left to right: Derek and Sylvia Ellis, Romeu and Louise de Almeida. Bottom row, left to right: Raymond Brown, Billy Marsden and Peter Bowler

Ken and Jane Ralph have been missing since the explosion

Police have named the nine people confirmed missing and feared dead after the Haut du Mont explosion on Monday.

They are Peter Bowler, 72, Raymond Brown, 71, Romeu de Almeida, 67, Louise de Almeida, 64, Derek Ellis, 61, Sylvia Ellis, 73, Ken Ralph, 72, Jane Ralph, 71, and Billy Marsden, 63.

A recovery operation is continuing at the site on Pier Road and police have said they do not expect to find survivors.

Gas supplier Island Energy confirmed on Monday the flats had not been on the island's gas network and they believed the blast was "an isolated incident".

Skipper Michael Michieli (left) and crewmen Jervis Ramirez Baligat and Larry Simyunn are missing after the collision

Skipper of L'Ecume II, Michael Michieli and crewmen Larry Simyunn and Jervis Baligat were involved in a crash with the Commodore Goodwill ferry on Thursday.

Two bodies were found in the search for the missing men on Tuesday.

Islanders have been paying respects to those involved in both incidents by leaving floral tributes on the steps of Ordnance Yard and at Victoria Pier.

Chief Executive of the Public Service Suzanne Wylie and Chief Minister Kristina Moore paid their respects

Chief Minister Kristina Moore and Chief Executive of the Public Service Suzanne Wylie both laid wreaths on the steps of Ordnance Yard on Wednesday morning.

Books of condolence have been made available at parish and public halls.

Police confirmed roads and businesses in the surrounding area of the explosion site had reopened to the public at midnight.

Pier Road, up to and including the junction at South Hill, reopened, giving access to Pier Road car park.

South Hill road has also reopened, with Fort Regent and La Petite Ecole nursery able to reopen.

A section of Pier Road, closest to the site of Haut Du Mont flats, remains closed with screens in place to ensure "maximum dignity and discretion".

Follow BBC Jersey on Twitter and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].