Caesarea-Trader Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The 'Caesarea Trader', which experienced a fire in its engine room while docked at the NAB Anchorage two weeks prior, departed from Portsmouth International Port on the morning of February 25. The vessel is en route to Fayard Shipyard located in Munkebo, with an estimated time of arrival set for February 28, where it will undergo essential permanent repairs.

On February 10 at approximately 7 p.m., the damaged ferry 'Caesarea Trader' was escorted to Portsmouth by three powerful tugs: 'SD Tempest' (IMO: 9803637), 'VB Scotsman' (IMO: 9429883), and 'VB Englishman' (IMO: 9706023), with assistance from the pilot boat 'SD Solent Racer' (IMO: 8748634). Following a thorough inspection of the situation on board, the vessel was secured at berth 2 of the ferry terminal by 8 p.m. and has remained stationed there since February 24. Meanwhile, the supply chain to Jersey is largely intact, with only a minor disruption expected; Jersey will experience a single freight rotation loss out of the usual 11 weekly rotations. This quick recover strategy is a result of DFDS's effective response after one of its ferries encountered an engine room fire while en route from Jersey to Portsmouth. Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel has acknowledged the seamless contingency measures executed by the Danish ferry service, which included dispatching a backup vessel and coordinating a revised sailing schedule for freight customers while collaborating with port authorities to ensure the safe arrival of the damaged ferry.

On February 9, 2026, at 3:45 PM, the 'Caesarea Trader', a ferry servicing the Jersey-Portsmouth route, faced a significant emergency situation as a fire erupted in its engine compartment. At the time of the incident, the vessel was transporting 23 crew members without any passengers, navigating from St Helier, Jersey, towards Portsmouth. The ferry experienced a sudden loss of power just before the fire was discovered in the engine room. In response to the emergency, the 'Caesarea Trader' anchored at position 50° 3' N, 001° 06' W, east of Shanklin. The UK’s HM Coastguard quickly mobilized, deploying a Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter equipped with thermal imaging technology to assess the vessel. Initially, the onboard crew believed the situation was manageable, but a Coastguard spotter plane revealed the fire's severity. Assistance was provided by the Bembridge lifeboat 'Alfred Albert Williams-RNLI 16-17' (MMSI: 235050723), and support tugs 'SD Bountiful' (IMO: 9533787), 'VB Englishman' (IMO: 9706023), and 'VB Scotsman' (IMO: 9429883) were dispatched from Portsmouth. Observers from the coast of Sussex reported visible flames, raising concerns about the fire's intensity. Fortunately, the ferry was anchored in a safe area, allowing the fire to be brought under control. The tugboats were temporarily stood down, and the RNLI lifeboat concluded its mission, returning by 8:20 PM. By approximately 10 PM, reports indicated that the situation aboard the 'Caesarea Trader' had stabilized, with decreasing temperatures in the engine room, and all 24 individuals onboard were confirmed safe. Plans are in place for the ferry to be towed to Portsmouth when conditions allow. Meanwhile, the operator, DFDS, is actively working to ensure the continuation of freight services to Jersey, with potential deployment of its leased ferry 'Arrow' (IMO: 9119414). For visuals and further details, visit the report: https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/25840124.isle-wight-emergency----fire-cargo-ship-off-bembridge/

On February 10, the ferry 'Caesarea Trader' was anchored at position 50° 36' N 001° 06' W, off the coast of Sussex, just east of Shanklin. The ferry, currently disabled, is scheduled for inspection before being towed to Portsmouth. Once there, teams from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service will assume command of the situation. Previously known as 'Commodore Goodwill', the ferry was reflagged under the UK flag in 2025 and has served the maritime link between the Channel Islands and Portsmouth. After nearly three decades of operational service in the Channel Islands, 'Caesarea Trader' was acquired by the Danish shipping company DFDS in 2025. On the same day, the ferry 'Arrow' departed from Dunkirk and is expected to arrive in Portsmouth on February 11 at 6 a.m. In a bid to sustain freight operations to Jersey, the ferry 'Stena Vinga' (IMO: 9323699), which also runs on the Portsmouth route, is providing an extra freight-only sailing departing from Portsmouth at 10:30 a.m. DFDS has reached out directly to affected freight customers and is collaborating with them to develop a revised operating schedule.

Lewis Carr, a 31-year-old officer of the ferry formerly known as 'Commodore Goodwill' and currently operating as 'Ceasarea Trader', has been sentenced to 20 months in prison following a tragic maritime incident on December 8, 2022. This collision with the trawler 'L'Ecume II' resulted in the unfortunate deaths of three crew members: skipper Michael Michieli, aged 62, along with his associates Larry Simyunn, 33, and Jervis Baligat, 31. Carr faced charges under the Shipping (Jersey) Law 2002, culminating in a conviction for conduct endangering ships, structures, and individuals at sea after a grueling four-week trial. The jury could not reach a consensus regarding the more severe charge of manslaughter. Prosecutor Crown Advocate Matthew Maletroit emphasized that Carr had neglected to maintain a proper lookout and failed to utilize available navigational equipment, leading to the fatal collision. He presented re-enactments of the vessels' journey to illustrate the failings in Carr's conduct, which breached several maritime regulations. Advocating for a 23-month sentence, he expressed the need for accountability in safety standards at sea. In his defense, Advocate Simon Thomas indicated that Carr recognized his mistakes and expressed heartfelt remorse in a letter, stating, “I recognize the pain and anger felt by the families and I am truly sorry for their loss and the part I played.” He highlighted Carr's struggles with PTSD and depression post-incident, while underscoring that Carr's actions were negligent but not grossly so. The trial honored the memory of Mr. Michieli, an experienced fisherman, and noted that at the time of the incident, Carr served as the senior crew member on deck of the 'Commodore Goodwill'. Following the incident, he was initially charged with manslaughter, but the jury ultimately found him guilty of a lesser charge. Throughout the trial, jurors were presented with meticulous reconstructions of radar data, audio recordings, and navigational paths of both vessels, which highlighted the critical moments leading up to the collision.

A jury at Jersey's Royal Court has found ferry worker Artur Sevash-Zade not guilty of manslaughter in relation to the tragic deaths of three fishermen aboard the vessel 'L'Ecume II'. However, his colleague, Lewis Carr, was unable to escape scrutiny as the jury could not reach a consensus regarding the manslaughter charge against him. Carr, 30, was convicted of violating Jersey's shipping regulations, specifically for failing to fulfill his duty in a way that might prevent loss, destruction, death, or injury. He is scheduled for sentencing on December 4, with a maximum prison term of two years hanging in the balance. During the trial, crown prosecutor Matthew Maletroit emphasized that safety was clearly not prioritized, asserting that both defendants disregarded flashing collision warnings on their radar screens just ten minutes before the catastrophic incident. Instead of promptly addressing the warnings, they became preoccupied with administrative tasks leading up to the collision, suggesting that the accident was not merely an unfortunate occurrence but rather a direct outcome of human negligence. In defense of Carr, Advocate Simon Thomas argued that a review of the CCTV footage indicated only one fishing light was illuminated on the vessel at the time, positing that the crew might not have been aware of a blown bulb. He asserted that Carr had diligently fulfilled his responsibilities according to company protocol and had taken active steps to monitor the 'L'Ecume II'. Meanwhile, Mr. Sevash-Zade's defense stated that his role as lookout was secondary, arguing that he executed his duties correctly by following instructions from 2nd Officer Carr. Advocate Mike Preston expressed that Sevash-Zade's function was somewhat dismissive, portraying him as merely an assistant to Carr while maintaining vigilance alongside the radar systems. The prosecution countered that Sevash-Zade possessed significant maritime experience, surpassing mere lookout qualifications, further complicating the trial proceedings.

In a significant development in the case involving the crew members of the 'Commodore Goodwill,' one defendant has been acquitted of manslaughter following a lengthy deliberation period. On September 25, a jury took 18 hours and five minutes to find Artur Sevash-Zade, aged 35, not guilty of manslaughter related to the tragic collision with the 'L'Ecume II.' Despite his acquittal, he still faces charges under the Jersey Navigation Act for endangering vessels or individuals. On the morning of September 26, Mr. Sevash-Zade was released from court after the jury could not reach a consensus on this lesser charge. Meanwhile, the trial continues for his colleague, who remains charged with three counts of manslaughter. On the same day, Lewis Carr, 30, was found guilty of conduct that endangered individuals, ships, or structures as stipulated under the Shipping (Jersey) Law 2002, following 19 hours and 18 minutes of deliberation. The jury’s decision was unanimous, and Carr has since been remanded in custody. Notably, both Sevash-Zade and Carr were the sole individuals present on the bridge of the 'Commodore Goodwill' at the time of the fatal incident. The trial has spanned three weeks, with jurors beginning their deliberations on September 23. This case has been overseen by Commissioner Sir John Saunders.

The jury is currently deliberating on the verdicts in the high-profile trial involving two crew members from the 'Commodore Goodwill', who stand accused of gross negligence manslaughter. This significant case has unfolded over the past three weeks at Jersey's Royal Court, where extensive evidence was presented regarding the tragic deaths of 'L'Ecume II' skipper Michael Michieli, aged 62, along with crew members Larry Simyunn, 33, and Jervis Baligat, 31. The defendants, Lewis Carr, 30, and Artur Sevash-Zade, 35, have vehemently denied all three counts of gross negligence manslaughter. In addition, they refuted charges related to breaches of Jersey's shipping legislation, which involve failing to execute their responsibilities in a manner that could lead to

In an ongoing legal matter, Artur Sevash-Zade, a crew member from the now-defunct ferry 'Commodore Goodwill,' appeared in court facing three charges of manslaughter linked to the tragic collision with the fishing trawler 'L'Ecume II' that occurred on December 8, 2022. Testifying at the Royal Court, Sevash-Zade recounted his initial week serving as a lookout on that fateful day, having joined the ferry crew in late October 2022. During his testimony, the Ukrainian national detailed his journey in the maritime industry, beginning his career as an ordinary seaman in 2015 after graduating from a maritime college at 25 years old. Over the years, he worked on four vessels before advancing to the rank of able seaman in 2021, a position he held on two ships before his appointment to the 'Commodore Goodwill.' Sevash-Zade had just started duties as a lookout on December 4, prior to the deadly incident, working alongside the second officer, who he described as young yet fully competent and calm under pressure, ensuring he felt confident in the officer’s abilities. Following his arrest in July 2024 and subsequent court hearing, Sevash-Zade spent two months in custody before being released in Jersey, where he secured employment leading up to the trial. Although he admitted that his English had seen improvement during his time in Jersey, he reassured the court that his language skills at the time of the collision were adequate, allowing him to perform his duties without misunderstanding. The second officer, who also gave testimony, indicated that manual controls should have been employed to prevent the collision, acknowledging that, in retrospect, proactive measures could have been taken sooner. However, he maintained that all actions adhered to international safety regulations aimed at avoiding maritime accidents.

In a gripping court case, Lewis Carr, the 2nd officer aboard the ferry 'Commodore Goodwill', recounted the harrowing moments following the collision with the fishing vessel 'L'Ecume II'. Charged with three counts of gross negligence manslaughter connected to the tragic deaths of skipper Michael Michieli and crew members Larry Simyunn and Jervis Baligat, Carr expressed feeling 'shell-shocked' and 'numb' during his testimony. He is being tried alongside former Condor crew member Artur Sevash-Zade, both facing the same serious allegations. The trial revealed that Mr. Michieli was known for ensuring his fishing vessel had its lights on as a safety measure against larger ships. However, Carr testified that he did not notice any fishing lights on the 'L'Ecume II' while observing through binoculars 20 minutes before the incident. Instead, he saw only the vessel's side lights, single mast headlight, and a few deck lights as it proceeded on its path. According to Carr's statement, between 05:15 a.m. GMT and 05:24 a.m., he detected a faint echo of the 'L'Ecume II' on his radar. Upon identifying the fishing boat on the AIS by name, he noted the absence of fishing lights but anticipated that the vessel would adhere to maritime regulations and navigate around the 'Commodore Goodwill'. As the 30-year-old maintained his course and speed until one minute before the crash, he was taken by surprise when 'L'Ecume II' turned to port unexpectedly, a move he asserted was contrary to collision regulations. He recounted his shock and his attempt to alert the fishing vessel by sounding the horn, acknowledging that, although it was too late with hindsight, he had not anticipated that 'L'Ecume II' would alter its course. The prosecution argued that Carr delayed in informing the captain and the coastguard about the collision by four minutes. In response, Carr admitted to feeling utterly disoriented and in a state of shock immediately after the accident, emphasizing that his priority was to regain visibility of the fishing vessel and stabilize the ferry. After rushing to the bridge wing and using a searchlight to locate 'L'Ecume II', he was eventually sent to the captain's cabin after recognizing his own traumatic state. When questioned by defense attorneys, Carr described his pre-shift routine, detailing a brief time on deck to prepare before officially taking over at 02:40 a.m. His role involved assisting the captain during the departure from Portsmouth and navigating towards Guernsey. After returning to the bridge shortly before the incident at 04:52 a.m., he felt the stress of the hours leading up to the collision, stating that while he was not overtired, the demanding nature of the job often led officers to power through fatigue. As the trial continues, the maritime community watches closely, hoping for accountability and justice following this devastating incident.

The Royal Court of Jersey is currently presiding over a manslaughter trial involving two men, stemming from a tragic maritime incident that occurred three years ago. The case arises from the collision between the ferry 'Commodore Goodwill', now known as 'Caesarea Trader', and the fishing vessel 'L'Ecume II' (IMO: 8554954), which resulted in the deaths of three fishermen, including the vessel's skipper, aged between 31 and 62, on the early morning of December 8, 2022, at approximately 5:30 a.m. Three years post-incident, the trial commenced on September 1, 2025. Following an extensive investigation, the two defendants—a 30-year-old and a 35-year-old, both associated with Condor Ferries—were charged with manslaughter. They are facing a month-long court appearance to address the allegations against them. The heartbreaking incident had a profound impact on the local fishing community in the English Channel. The trawler was a familiar name among fishing professionals in Granville, frequently delivering its catches at the auction and being serviced at the Granville shipyard. The tragic event began to unfold when, after six days of intensive searching, two of the fishermen's bodies were eventually recovered, with the captain's remains discovered in April 2023. During the court proceedings, the two defendants have denied any negligence. However, the prosecution has pointed to several critical failures, including a lack of communication, inability to avoid the collision, and insufficient vigilance—all supported by audio recordings. Just 20 minutes prior to the collision, the 'L'Écume II' was already visible on the ferry's radar. Alarm systems were activated 10 minutes before impact, yet the defendants were allegedly engaged in non-urgent tasks at the time. By the time they took action, it was too late, as the trawler was merely a few hundred meters away, leading to a direct and fatal collision at full speed while the ferry was on autopilot, causing the trawler to sink 40 meters beneath the surface. This ongoing trial at the Royal Court of Jersey is set to continue for an entire month.