The maritime community in Gloucester, Massachusetts, continues to reel from the tragic sinking of the 72-foot commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean on January 30, 2026. Captain Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo, a fifth-generation fisherman and known figure in local and televised fishing circles, was at the helm when the boat capsized in brutally cold conditions, claiming the lives of all seven aboard. Now, Gus’s wife, Kelly, has courageously shared the last voicemail he left her, providing a poignant and devastating glimpse into his final moments of awareness before contact was lost.

The voicemail, recorded in the early hours of that fateful Friday, captures Gus’s calm yet weary voice amid the escalating crisis. In it, he speaks of the extreme cold freezing the vessel’s air vents and making operations nearly impossible. Sources close to the family describe the message as brief but loaded with quiet resignation: Gus mentions the freezing temperatures overwhelming the boat’s systems, the crew struggling against the elements, and a sense that things were deteriorating rapidly. He ends with words of love and reassurance, urging Kelly to stay strong and expressing his deep affection for her and their family. The exact phrasing remains private in full respect for the family’s grief, but Kelly’s decision to release portions of the recording has amplified the emotional impact of the tragedy, highlighting the human cost behind the headlines.

The Lily Jean departed Gloucester for what was intended as a routine fishing trip. Aboard were Captain Gus Sanfilippo, crew members including Paul Beal Sr. and his son Paul Beal Jr., along with other experienced fishermen and a NOAA fishery observer monitoring operations. No mayday call was ever transmitted, but the U.S. Coast Guard received an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) activation shortly before 7 a.m. Attempts to raise the vessel by radio failed, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation involving helicopters, cutters, and local vessels.

Conditions that night were extreme: air temperatures hovered around 12 degrees Fahrenheit (-11°C), with wind chills making it feel far colder, and sea spray freezing on contact. Fellow fisherman Captain Sebastian Noto, a close friend of Gus, recounted a separate phone conversation around 3 a.m. where Gus said, “I quit. It’s too cold,” explaining that the air holes (vents) were freezing over. Noto described Gus as calm but clearly strained by the unrelenting cold that threatened engine function and crew safety. That call, combined with the voicemail to Kelly, paints a picture of a seasoned captain fighting valiantly against an unforgiving environment.

The search was called off after exhaustive efforts on Saturday, January 31, with Coast Guard officials citing the near-zero chance of survival in such frigid waters beyond the initial hours. One body—later confirmed as Captain Sanfilippo’s—was recovered by the Coast Guard on Friday. The remaining six crew members are presumed lost, their bodies likely claimed by the depths. The National Transportation Safety Board and Coast Guard have launched a joint investigation into the cause, focusing on potential factors like icing on the vessel, stability issues in heavy seas, or mechanical failures exacerbated by the freeze.

Gus Sanfilippo was more than a captain; he was a pillar of Gloucester’s tight-knit fishing community. Known for his expertise passed down through generations, he had appeared in fishing-related media, earning respect for his knowledge and leadership. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, friends, and strangers alike, with many sharing stories of how Gus mentored younger fishermen, emphasizing safety and camaraderie on the water. One friend stated, “He taught me everything I know—I wouldn’t be who I am out there without him.”

Kelly’s sharing of the voicemail has struck a deep chord, serving as a raw reminder of the families left behind. In a statement released through community channels, she expressed profound grief while honoring her husband’s dedication: the message underscores his concern for the crew and his love for home, even as danger mounted. The act of sharing has sparked widespread calls for better safety measures in commercial fishing, an industry long plagued by high risks, especially in winter New England waters.

The loss has renewed focus on the dangers fishermen face daily—freezing temperatures, rogue waves, equipment icing, and the isolation of the sea. Advocacy groups are urging stronger regulations for de-icing systems, improved EPIRB technology, and mandatory cold-weather survival training. For the families of the Lily Jean crew, the pain is compounded by unanswered questions: What exactly caused the sudden capsize? Could anything have been done differently?

In the wake of this disaster, Gloucester’s harborside memorials have grown with flowers, candles, and notes. The voicemail, though heartbreaking, offers a final connection—a captain’s voice reaching across the void to his wife, encapsulating love, duty, and the quiet heroism of those who make their living from the sea. As investigations continue, the story of the Lily Jean endures as a somber testament to the perils of the ocean and the unbreakable bonds of family and community in the face of unimaginable loss.