Freight ship re-enters service after fishing boat tragedy

Monday 12 December 2022

The Condor freight ship which collided with a trawler off St. Ouen's Bay leading to the loss of three fishermen has re-entered service.

The Commodore Goodwill was due to deliver Guernsey's freight overnight.

John Napton, Condor Ferries’ CEO, said the Goodwill has been inspected and is allowed to resume sailings. He also confirmed the ferry firm is working closely with the authorities investigating the incident to ascertain what happened. 

"Following completion of a dive inspection and other checks in Jersey on Friday, Commodore Goodwill has been cleared to re-enter service," he said.

"The ship positioned to Portsmouth (Saturday) and will resume sailings to the Islands on Sunday evening, 11 December.

"Condor continues to work closely with all authorities following the tragic incident last Thursday."

Larry Simyunn and Jervis Ramirez Baligat, both from the Philippines, had been working alongside skipper Michael Michieli on L’Ecume II, when she collided with the Commodore Goodwill in St. Ouen’s Bay around 05:30 on Thursday morning.

Pictured: Jervis Ramirez Baligat, Michael Michieli and Larry Simyunn, who had been working on L'Ecume II which sank after colliding with the Commodore Goodwill last week.

Despite extensive searches of the area involving Jersey, Guernsey and French authorities, as well as the local fishing community, none of the three have been found.

A fundraiser started by Mr Michieli's daughter over the weekend in aid of the two workers' families has now topped £70,000.

Underwater searches have been ongoing throughout the weekend using specialist robotic equipment.

Pictured top: The Commodore Goodwill in Elizabeth Harbour after the collision last week. (Rob Currie)