“She was only 22… and it was supposed to be the start of her dream life at sea. 😢

Jada Samitt left Virginia chasing her passion all the way to the rugged shores of Massachusetts — landing her first big job on a Gloucester fishing boat.

But the boat never came back.

One moment she’s living her adventure, collecting data for NOAA, helping protect the oceans she loved… the next, tragedy strikes in freezing waters off Cape Ann. No mayday call. Just an eerie beacon in the storm. Her family’s final words will shatter you: ‘We are lost without her.’

Read the full heartbreaking story — you won’t believe how close she was to her dream. 👇”

The historic fishing port of Gloucester, America’s oldest seaport, is reeling from one of its deadliest maritime incidents in recent memory after the 72-foot commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean sank off the coast of Cape Ann on January 30, 2026, claiming the lives of all seven people on board.

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search efforts on January 31 after exhaustive operations covering more than 1,000 square miles failed to locate additional survivors. One body was recovered from the frigid Atlantic waters, along with debris and an unoccupied life raft, but the remaining six crew members were never found. Authorities have now formally identified all seven victims and launched a district-level investigation into the cause of the sinking.

Among those lost was 22-year-old Jada Samitt, a recent University of Vermont graduate from Richmond, Virginia, who had just begun her career as a federal fisheries observer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Samitt was aboard the Lily Jean not only to fulfill her duties monitoring and collecting data on the vessel’s catch — critical information used to inform sustainable fishing regulations — but also as an active crew member, according to her family.

In a statement released by her relatives on behalf of her parents Julie and Jeff Samitt, stepmother Stacey Samitt, stepfather Scott Firestine, and siblings John, Charlie, and Nora, the family described a young woman full of life, compassion, and determination.

“It is with profound sadness and shattered hearts that we share the loss of our beloved Jada,” the statement read. “She was vibrant and compassionate with an infectious smile and spirit. And, above all, she was brave and determined. She fiercely loved her friends and family. Today we are lost without her.”

The family emphasized that Samitt’s presence on the vessel stemmed from her deep commitment to her work. “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,” they continued. “We could not be more proud of and grateful to her for it.”

Samitt, a graduate of Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, Virginia, earned her B.S. in Natural Resources with a concentration in Ecology from the University of Vermont in May 2025. She began her role with A.I.S. Inc., a contractor partnering with NOAA Fisheries, in July of that year. Friends and family noted her passion for environmental issues and her excitement about immersing herself in Gloucester’s storied fishing community, where she had developed strong ties despite her Virginia roots.

The University of Vermont issued a statement expressing deep sorrow: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our recent graduates in a tragedy at sea Friday. Our thoughts are with Jada Samitt’s family during this heartbreaking time.”

The other victims included Captain Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo, a respected figure in the Gloucester fleet; crew members Paul Beal Sr. and his son Paul Beal Jr., whose family spoke of the tragedy of losing both father and son together; John Rousanidis, 33; Freeman Short, 31; and Sean Therrien. Community members described Sanfilippo as a mentor and friend, with Massachusetts state Sen. Bruce Tarr recalling him as “one of the people I looked to in this harbor.”

The Lily Jean activated its emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) at approximately 6:50 a.m. on January 30, about 25 miles off Cape Ann. Coast Guard crews responded immediately with helicopters, cutters, and small boats but found no Mayday call from the vessel. A debris field was located near the beacon’s position, along with one body and the empty life raft. Search efforts, hampered by rough seas and cold conditions, were called off after roughly 24 hours when officials determined all reasonable measures had been exhausted.

The Coast Guard’s Northeast District has initiated a formal investigation, led by Rear Adm. Michael Platt. Early indications suggest the boat may have experienced an equipment issue while returning to port “full of fish,” though no definitive cause has been released. The vessel had previously appeared in a 2012 episode of the History Channel series “Nor’Easter Men,” highlighting the harsh realities of commercial fishing in the region.

The incident has renewed discussions about the dangers inherent in the fishing industry, one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States. Vito Giacalone, policy director for the Northeast Seafood Coalition, defended the decision to head out despite challenging weather, comparing it to other essential workers facing risks. “I’ve heard people say why did they go fishing in that weather. Well, why do the electric company folks go up? That’s what fishermen have every day especially in the winter.”

In response to the sinking and forecasts for continued severe conditions, NOAA Fisheries temporarily suspended additional observer deployments until Wednesday following the incident.

Gloucester’s tight-knit community has rallied in grief. A vigil was held Sunday night at St. Ann’s Church, where family members and friends shared memories amid tears and disbelief. Flowers and tributes continue to accumulate at the iconic Fisherman’s Memorial statue in the harbor, a symbol of the port’s long history of loss at sea.

Grace Bernaiche, sister of Freeman Short, described the shock: “It’s shock. It’s disbelief. You question, ‘That’s his boat? Is he on the boat?’ But you know … it’s just your mind is trying to digest everything.” Another family member who lost Paul Beal Sr. and Paul Beal Jr. said simply, “They are going to be deeply missed, and it’s such a tragedy that this happened. But at least they were together when the boat went down.”

Donations to support the affected families can be made through Fishing Partnership Support Services, with funds designated for the Lily Jean victims.

As Gloucester mourns, the Coast Guard investigation continues, seeking answers for a community that knows all too well the price of life on the water. For the families of Jada Samitt and her six shipmates, the questions may never fully resolve the unimaginable loss of lives cut short in pursuit of their livelihoods and dreams.