Coast Guard Searches for Survivors After Fishing Boat Sinks Off Massachusetts

The U.S. Coast Guard is actively searching for survivors in the waters off Massachusetts following the sinking of a commercial fishing boat, the Lily Jean, which was carrying seven people, including a NOAA observer. The vessel went down about 40 miles from Cape Ann on Friday.

Coast Guard officials were alerted to the situation when they received an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) signal tied to the 72-foot boat at around 6:50 a.m. local time. Attempts to contact the fishing vessel went unanswered, prompting the issuance of an Emergency Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB).

To assist with the search, the Coast Guard’s Northeast District dispatched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Cape Cod Air Station and a small boat crew from Gloucester Air Station. The cutter Thunder Bay was also redirected to provide aid.

During the search, responders encountered debris, some bodies, and an unmanned life raft in the vicinity of the EPIRB signal.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her sorrow over the incident. She said, “I am saddened by the shocking news from Gloucester of the sinking of the Lily Jean and have offered my full support to those affected.” She emphasized that the fishing community is crucial to the region’s history and economy, remarking that the tragedy has deeply affected the state.

The boat’s captain, Gus Sanfilippo, was a fifth-generation fisherman who previously appeared on a 2012 episode of the History Channel’s “Nor’easter Men.” Sen. Bruce Tarr, who knew Sanfilippo, described him as a skilled and warm individual, indicating a sense of hope for the ongoing search efforts.

As of now, the number of survivors remains unknown, and the situation continues to unfold. Gloucester, situated on Cape Ann, is roughly 30 miles north of Boston.