Update from States of Jersey Police on L’Ecume II

Following the collision, on 8 December 2022, between Condor’s Commodore Goodwill and the fishing vessel L’Ecume II, the States of Jersey Police (SOJP) have commenced an independent investigation to establish any criminal culpability. SoJP will now lead the investigation into the maritime incident, supported by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Andy Shearwood, a former Detective Chief Inspector with Thames Valley Police, has been appointed as the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) for the investigation, named Operation Nectar. He will be supported by Detective Inspector Christina Maclennan, former Head of the Criminal Investigation Department at SoJP.

Mr Shearwood arrived yesterday to take up the role for the duration of the investigation. With 30 years of policing experience, he is highly experienced in the investigation of serious crime and large, complex investigations. His qualifications include the Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP 3) which covers homicide and major and organised crime.

Additional resources and detectives are currently being sourced to ensure that Mr Shearwood and Detective Maclennan have the support they require to undertake a comprehensive investigation.

This is one of two investigations running concurrently into this incident. A maritime safety investigation is underway to determine the facts and identify lessons to be learned to prevent future similar incidents. This is being progressed by the Maritime Standards department within of Ports of Jersey, in conjunction with the Bahamas Maritime Authority (as the flag state of the Condor Commodore Goodwill), and the Philippines as an interested party. For reference, this would be most similar to the type of report that would be produced by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch.

Specially trained officers continue to support those families involved and the Government of Jersey’s Recovery Coordination Group now covers the response to both Operation Spire (the Pier Road disaster) and Operation Nectar.