The jury in the trial of two seamen accused of causing the deaths of three fishermen has retired to consider its verdicts.
Lewis Carr (30) and Artur Sevash-Zade (35) deny gross negligence manslaughter following the collision at sea between the Commodore Goodwill freight ship and the L'Ecume II fishing trawler.
Skipper Michael Michieli and his crew Larry Simyunn and Jervis Baligat were drowned when their vessel went down off the west coast of Jersey in the early hours of 8 December 2022.
The trial, which started on 1 September, has heard evidence that the Goodwill's former second officer and lookout were not keeping proper watch in the minutes before the collision.
Prosecutors said they ignored warnings, were distracted with non-urgent tasks and took 'woefully inadequate' action to avoid impact.
Lewis Carr
The Crown has argued that the defendants' 'reckless' and 'negligent actions' caused the crash and resulting fatalities.
Central to the case has been whether the fishing boat was displaying her fishing lights, which would have compelled the Goodwill, under maritime rules, to give way to her.
Defence lawyers say the lights might have been broken, and the fishermen unaware they were not working, and that could have created confusion over which vessel should change course.
They argue that the mistakes made on the bridge that day were not enough to convict the defendants of the very serious charge of gross negligence manslaughter.
Artur Sevash Zade
Summing up, the judge, Commissioner Sir John Saunders, described the events of 8 December 2022 as 'undoubtedly a catastrophe' and instructed the jury of eight men and four women:
"It is your decision, and no one else should be making it for you."
The jury has retired to consider its verdicts.
Previous stories from the trial:
L'Ecume II: 'It could've been avoided'
L'Ecume II: Accused former Second Officer takes the stand
L’Ecume II: Commodore Goodwill Captain recounts morning of collision
L'Ecume II: "One of the most knowledgeable fishermen" worried about large vessels
L’Ecume II: Jury shown radar images in the moments leading up to collision
Court hears L'Ecume II should have been spotted 10 minutes before collision
Draft law scraps time limits on abortions in Jersey
Divide over approach to gender guidance in schools
Three charities awarded £500 grants in community campaign
Ministers back principle of social media 'restrictions' for under 16s
Passengers rerouted through Jersey Airport departures
A total ban on disposable vapes in Guernsey and Jersey is poised to take full effect
Islanders with COVID-19 symptoms reminded to avoid the hospital
2025 was the fourth warmest year on record
