Coast Guard Suspends Search for Crew of Gloucester Fishing Vessel Lily Jean After Tragic Sinking

GLOUCESTER, Mass. — The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search-and-rescue operation for the seven crew members of the fishing vessel Lily Jean, which sank off the coast of Massachusetts on January 30, 2026. One body was recovered during the effort, while the remaining six individuals are presumed lost in the frigid Atlantic waters.

The 72-foot commercial fishing boat, home-ported in Gloucester — America’s oldest continuously operating seaport — disappeared approximately 25 miles off Cape Ann in the early morning hours. The Coast Guard received an automated emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) activation at around 6:50 a.m. Friday from the vessel’s registered distress device. No mayday call or voice communication was received from the Lily Jean prior to the alert.

Rescue teams, including an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod, small boat crews from Gloucester Station, and the cutter Thunder Bay, were immediately dispatched into challenging conditions. Water temperatures were reported at about 12 degrees Fahrenheit (-11°C), with air temperatures near freezing and seas of 7 to 10 feet accompanied by freezing spray.

Over the course of approximately 24 hours, search assets covered more than 1,047 square miles. Crews located a debris field near the EPIRB’s reported position, recovered one unresponsive individual from the water, and found the vessel’s life raft deployed but unoccupied. No additional survivors or signs of life were discovered.

“After consultation between search and rescue mission coordinators and on-scene commanders, the Coast Guard determined that all reasonable search efforts for the missing crewmembers had been exhausted,” officials stated in a Saturday morning release. Capt. Jamie Frederick, commander of Coast Guard Sector Boston, described the decision as “incredibly difficult.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family members and friends of the lost crew of the Lily Jean, and with the entire Gloucester community during this heartbreaking time,” Frederick added.

The captain of the Lily Jean has been identified as Gus Sanfilippo, a fifth-generation commercial fisherman from Gloucester. Sanfilippo and his crew appeared in a 2012 episode of the History Channel series Nor’Easter Men, which documented the demanding realities of fishing in the North Atlantic, including multi-day trips in harsh weather for species such as haddock, flounder, and lobster.

A friend of Sanfilippo told Boston 25 News that the veteran captain had mentored him early in his career. “Taught me everything I know now about fishing,” the friend said, noting that Sanfilippo graciously shared his knowledge of the industry, from reading water conditions to handling gear in severe weather.

Massachusetts State Sen. Bruce Tarr, who grew up with Sanfilippo, expressed disbelief at the loss. “This was a good vessel, this was a good skipper who was skilled and wise and experienced,” Tarr said. “How does this happen? How do you lose a boat 22 miles from shore?”

Among those confirmed aboard was Jada Samitt, 22, a recent University of Vermont graduate serving as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fisheries observer. Samitt’s family released a statement expressing profound grief: “It is with profound sadness and shattered hearts that we share the loss of our beloved Jada. She was vibrant and compassionate with an infectious smile and spirit… brave and determined.”

The family highlighted her dedication: “Jada was on the Lily Jean that day because of her strong belief in her work, not only as an observer, but as someone who knew her important role as a crew member.” The University of Vermont also issued a statement mourning the loss of its alumna.

Other crew members identified through family and friends include Sean Therrien, 45; John Paul Rousanidis, 33, described by his sister as “very generous, very happy” and an avid outdoorsman; and a father-son pair. The identities of the remaining individuals were pending full official confirmation as of early February.

Gloucester, a community with a centuries-long history tied to commercial fishing, has once again been struck by tragedy. The Fisherman’s Memorial, bearing the names of more than 5,000 lost at sea since 1650, saw fresh flowers, candles, and visitors over the weekend as residents sought solace.

Gov. Maura Healey addressed the loss: “We join with the families, the fishing community, the city of Gloucester… in mourning this day and in grieving seven brave individuals who were out there doing their job.”

Local resident Ashley Sullivan, who knows the vessel’s owner, emphasized the sacrifices involved: “I hope everyone takes a step back and really looks at the sacrifices these men make on a day-to-day basis just to put food on our table. It’s very emotional and very heartbreaking.”

In response to the incident and approaching severe weather, NOAA suspended fisheries observer deployments until February 4. Support for the affected families is being coordinated through Fishing Partnership Support Services, with donations earmarked specifically for the Lily Jean crew.

The cause of the sinking remains under investigation. No evidence of a collision or explosion has been reported, and officials noted no obvious clues from the initial search. Commercial fishing continues to rank among the nation’s most hazardous occupations, with winter conditions — including rapid icing, rogue waves, and extreme cold — amplifying risks even for experienced crews on well-equipped vessels.

As Gloucester begins planning memorials and supporting grieving families, the loss of the Lily Jean serves as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in the profession that has sustained the community for generations.

The Coast Guard and other agencies will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses and additional details emerge.