A fundraiser set-up to support the families of two crewmen from the Jersey L’Ecume II fishing boat tragedy has exceeded all expectations.
On Sunday 18th December, the original £3000 target had been exceeded by 3341% and now tops £100,000!
The vessel’s Skipper Michael ‘Mick’ Michieli and Filipino crew members Larry Simyun and Jervis Baligat were on board at the time of the accident with Condor Ferries’ freight ship, the Commodore Goodwill. The three fishermen have been missing since their boat sunk off Jersey’s west coast.
Rebecca Michieli, Michael’s daughter, setup the fundraiser to support the families of his two crewmen.
Tens of thousands of pounds have been raised to support the families of three Jersey fishermen who have been missing since their boat sunk off the island’s west coast.
Rebecca said: “Larry and Jervis would spend 9 months at a time working with my Dad and sending home a good portion of the money they made to their families back home in the Philippines. Jervis had just been home for three months and was back for another nine months as he was so fond of my Dad and the work he was doing.
“My family would like to do as much as we can for Larry and Jervis, we know money will never bring them back but we can at least take some of the stress away and allow them time to grieve without the burden of financial troubles.
“We know a lot of people may find it hard to donate at this time but a little will go a long way, so please donate as much or as little as you can.”
December is usually a month of optimism and hope. One where we prepare to celebrate the warmth of Christmas with friends and family. This year, in houses across Jersey, the Philippines, and other parts of the world it will not be so.
Jersey’s Chief Minister, Kristina Moore said: “Our prayers, thoughts, and best wishes are with the families of those tragically grieving from the incidents in St Ouen’s Bay and at Haut du Mont. Our small Island community has always been known to have deep connections to the UK, Madeira, and the Commonwealth and, as we have seen, through these awful events we are further connected to faraway places with people who are now, and forever, part of our Island story. They are in our hearts.
“Our full community spirit has been felt here in Jersey, with donations, prayers, and support to all those affected. We know that Islanders are also showing that same spirit to shores afar, with donations pouring into a fundraiser set up by Rebecca Michieli for the families of Larry Simyunn and Jervis Ramirez Baligat who had been working alongside her father Mick on L’Ecume II. The Government has stood up full support, through both the Family Liaison Officers and the Ministry of External Relations to make sure the Simyunn and Baligat families know, and feel, that they are in our hearts.
“This weekend, we will all be sparing thoughts and moments for all the families. The lights across the Island are bright, but in our hearts, there is a dullness.”
Click here to donate to the appeal
Main image courtesy of JustGiving.
