Family praises Jersey kindness after L'Ecume II tragedy

Euniza Simyunn said the support from islanders after the death of her brother Larry had been "heartwarming"

The family of a man who died when a fishing trawler sank off Jersey has thanked islanders for their kindness.

Three crew were on board the L'Ecume II when it sank after a collision with Condor Ferries' Commodore Goodwill off the island on 8 December 2022.

The bodies of crewmen Larry Simyunn, 33, and Jervis Baligat, 31, were found a week later, and skipper Michael Michieli's body was found in April.

Mr Simyunn's sister Euniza Simyunn praised islanders for their support.

'I adore him'

"The sympathy for us is really heartwarming," she told the BBC from the Philippines.

She said "no words can express our gratitude for them, all of the people behind everything, the government [and] the Jersey community".

She told BBC Radio Jersey that "from the bottom of our hearts and on behalf of our family we are so grateful" for the kindness.

Michael Michieli, Jervis Baligat and Larry Simyunn were killed in the tragedy

Ms Simyunn said her brother was a "good man" who selflessly helped his family in the Philippines by sending the money he earned as a fisherman back home.

She said he was "a loving person, a loving brother and a loving son".

"He always said no matter what happens he would go abroad for us and he would provide for us," she said.

"No words can express how much I adore him and no words can express his goodness to us."

An appeal launched by Mr Michieli's daughter Rebecca raised more than £100,000 for the families of Mr Simyunn and Mr Baligat.

A police investigation into the L'Ecume II tragedy is ongoing.

A minute's silence was held on the first anniversary of the tragedy to remember the three men who died.

Just two days after the tragic events at sea, an explosion destroyed a residential block of flats at Haut du Mont in St Helier.

A separate memorial service was held on Thursday night to remember both tragedies.

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