Was Fishing Crew Asleep at the Helm Before Crash?
- markdarrenwilkinso
- Sep 9
- 1 min read
A Condor ferry lookout wondered aloud if a fishing crew were asleep moments before a collision that killed three men, Jersey’s Royal Court has heard.
Artur Sevash-Zade and Lewis Carr deny gross negligence manslaughter following the December 2022 crash in which skipper Michael Michieli and his crew, Larry Simyunn and Jervis Baligat, died when their trawler L’Ecume II sank.
The court was told Sevash-Zade saw the trawler approaching on radar with a “100%” risk of collision but was sent away to prepare moorings. When he returned, the vessel was already dangerously close. The ferry’s whistle was reportedly sounded only seconds before impact.
Carr, the officer on duty, said he altered course to avoid the fishing boat but believed it would pass clear. He admitted he was completing paperwork at the chart table, which limited his view of the water.
The court also heard both men later gave detailed accounts to Condor’s head of health and safety, evidence later obtained by police.
The trial continues.
