Philippines ambassador attends service to remember L'Ecume crew

People came together at St Thomas' Church to remember those who died when L'Ecume II sank

The Philippines ambassador to the UK and the Channel Islands joined members of the community at a remembrance service for fishermen who died at sea in 2022.

Larry Simyunn and Jervis Baligat, both from the Philippines, died along with their skipper Michael Michieli after their fishing vessel L'Ecume II sank following a collision.

His Excellency Teodoro Locsin Jr joined members of the island’s Filipino community at a service at St Thomas' Church on Monday evening.

He also met business leaders and members of the government to see how relations could be improved between his country and Jersey.

His Excellency Teodoro Locsin Jr made his first visit as ambassador to Jersey

The ambassador was making his first visit to Jersey since taking on the role.

He said «every loss counts» and he had come to «grieve with the communities and the family of the skipper too».

The ambassador added: «Jersey has always been so kind and hospitable to our people who’ve come here to work in a range of different roles.»

He said he hoped to build stronger bonds with Jersey and provide more support to the Filipino community by working closer with officials in the island.

Marlene Ferrer, from Jersey's Filipino community, welcomed the ambassador to the island

Marlene Ferrer, a representative for the Jersey Filipino Community, was part of the memorial service.

She said the ambassador’s visit was «quite overwhelming» for the community and it means they have someone from the country’s government «who is ready to support us».

«Having the ambassador here to help and support us means a lot to us as Filipino migrant workers who has been away from home for years,» Ms Ferrer added.

Minister Ian Gorst hopes to strengthen ties between Jersey and the Philippines

Deputy Ian Gorst, Jersey’s External Relations Minister, welcomed the ambassador's visit: «We've got areas where we think we can work together into the future.»

He said: «We must not forget individuals lost their lives but I think sometimes the way that we respond to a tragedy can help with the healing, but also help build opportunities for the future between Jersey and the