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The Government response to the two major incidents that took place in Jersey at the end of 2022 has cost over £14.5m so far.
The total Government spend across both the L'Ecume fishing tragedy and the Pier Road explosion as of 31 August 2024 amounted to £14,577,000.
A further £2.7m is also budgeted to be spent across both incident responses before the end of 2024.
The figures were revealed by the Treasury Minister in response to a written question submitted by Deputy Steve Ahier.
Pictured: The explosion at Pier Road claimed the lives of ten islanders in December 2022.
Deputy Elaine Millar revealed that the Government has spent £11.6m on the response to the Haut du Mont explosion – dubbed 'Operation Spire'.
The incident on 10 December 2022 entirely collapsed the Andium Homes-run flats and 10 islanders lost their lives.
Earlier this year, Police Chief Robin Smith revealed that the force was “nearing the conclusion” of their investigation, and that the three suspects arrested last August on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter had been interviewed again.
A decision on charges is expected by the end of the year.
Pictured: The L’Ecume II fishing trawler sank on 8 December 2022.
The Treasury Minister also revealed that the Government response to the sinking of the L’Ecume II fishing trawler – called 'Operation Nectar' – has cost £2.9m so far.
On 8 December 2022, the L’Ecume II fishing trawler sank following a collision with Condor’s Commodore Goodwill freight ship.
The incident resulted in the deaths of skipper Michael Michieli, and crewmen Jervis Ramirez Baligat and Larry Simyunn.
Two men have been charged with the unlawful killing of the fishermen. Police confirmed that no further arrests are planned as part of Operation Nectar.
Pictured: The latest annual police report showed that the force's total spend across both tragedies was £3.2m in 2023.
Deputy Millar explained that the Government budget for future spend on the incidents will cover the the ongoing storage and future disposal of the L'Ecume II wreck, as well as the ongoing police investigation costs for both operations.
The latest annual police report showed that the force's total spend across both Operation Spire and Operation Nectar was more than £3 million in 2023, which was around £4 million under budget.
At the time, Police Authority Chair Simon Harman explained that “a lot of additional resources have been needed” across both investigations.
He added: “Given the sensitivity and human effects, the first priority is to look after the victims and families and have a thorough investigation – the outcome is the most important thing and then the money comes in behind that.”
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