The bodies of two fishermen have been found after a massive search and rescue mission was launched off the coast of the UK.
Two bodies were found close to where fishing boat L’Ecume II sank off the coast of Jersey on Thursday, States of Jersey Police said.
The vessel was carrying three people, who are all believed to have died.
In a statement released on Tuesday confirming the discovery, the force said: “The States of Jersey Police can confirm that two bodies have been located in the area of L’Ecume II.
“The search and recovery operation is ongoing and will continue while the weather permits.
“Family members continue to be supported by specially trained police family liaison officers.
“A further update will follow when available.”
The Commodore Goodwill, a freight ship owned by Condor Ferries, and an 18-metre fishing boat called the L’Ecume II trawler collided off the coast of Jersey at about 5.30am on Thursday.
The fishing boat's skipper Michael Michieli and two Filipino crew members were said to be the only three onboard.
An initial search and rescue mission was temporarily suspended on Thursday and resumed the following morning, but sadly by Friday afternoon the Port of Jersey confirmed it would transition into a recovery operation.
The sunken ship had also been located underwater, but it is 40 metres deep - meaning divers cannot access it without specialist equipment.
A maritime exclusion zone has since been in place for the collision site and surrounding area.
A spokesperson for the Port of Jersey said last week: "All possible rescue activities will have been exhausted in an effort to find the three missing fishermen.
"We are aware that this is very difficult for friends and family of the men, and we extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by this tragic incident."
A large offshore support vessel commissioned by Ports of Jersey began using an underwater robot on Sunday to conduct a detailed search of the site.
Two parallel investigations into the collision are continuing and likely to take several weeks to complete, a spokesperson said on Monday.
An investigation has been commissioned in accordance with Jersey’s Shipping Law 2002 by Jersey's minister for economic development, tourism, sport and culture.
The Ports of Jersey said they would also call on "external organisations, like the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch, if any extra technical expertise is required."
Meanwhile, a safety-focused investigation is being run by the flag state for the Commodore Goodwill (Bahamas Maritime Authority) in collaboration with Jersey as the coastal state party.
An online fundraiser set up by the daughter of skipper Mr Michieli has raised more than £80,000 since the crew was reported missing.
The money raised quickly surpassed the initial target of £3,000 and will go towards supporting the families of his two crew members, she said.
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