Minute silences to be held for Jersey tragedies

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

Public servants will stop work to observe silences as the government of Jersey marks the first anniversaries two tragedies this week.

On Friday, it will be a year since three men died when the L'Ecume II fishing boat sank.

Just two days later, an explosion in a block of flats at Haut du Mont left 10 people dead.

On Thursday, a memorial service is being held for both tragedies at the Town Church.

A minute's silence will be held at midday on Friday and Sunday to remember those who died.

Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore said: "A year ago. our island was devastated by two terrible tragedies that occurred within 48 hours of each other, in which 13 people lost their lives and that none of us will forget.

"My thoughts and prayers remain first and foremost with the families of those who died last December and the dozens more who lost their homes.

"While they will forever remember and miss those they lost, those feelings will be particularly acute as we approach the anniversaries. My heart goes out to them."

She added: "While those terrible tragedies were among the very worst things that have happened to our island since the occupation, the reaction to them also demonstrated the very best of us in terms of the community spirit, resilience and unity that has characterised the last 12 months and will, I'm sure, be on display throughout the events of this week and beyond."

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