GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Search efforts have been suspended following the sinking of the commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean off the coast of Gloucester, marking another devastating tragedy for the city’s historic fishing community. Authorities confirmed that all seven people aboard the vessel are presumed dead after an extensive air and sea search failed to locate any additional survivors.
The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted early Friday morning when the vessel’s emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) activated in the water at approximately 6:50 a.m. while the boat was returning to port. Officials said no mayday call was received, and attempts to contact the vessel were unsuccessful. The Lily Jean was located about 25 miles off Cape Ann, an area known for challenging winter conditions.
The Coast Guard immediately launched a large-scale rescue operation, deploying an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and multiple surface vessels. Crews discovered a debris field, an unoccupied life raft, and one deceased individual in the water, confirming the vessel had sunk. Despite hours of searching, no other crew members were found.
Six additional crew members remain missing and are now presumed lost. The Coast Guard cited frigid water temperatures, rough weather, and the vast search area as factors in the difficult rescue effort and the decision to suspend operations. Officials later confirmed that seven people, not six as initially reported, were aboard the Lily Jean at the time of the sinking.
The victims have been identified as John Paul Rousanidis, 33; Sean Therrien, 44; Freeman Short; Captain Gus Sanfilippo; Paul Beal Sr.; Paul Beal Jr.; and Jada Samitt, 22. Samitt was serving as a federal fisheries observer with NOAA and had recently moved to Massachusetts after graduating, fulfilling a lifelong dream of working at sea. Family members described her as passionate, dedicated, and deeply respectful of the fishing community.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Gloucester, the nation’s oldest working fishing port. Local leaders and residents expressed deep sorrow, with officials noting the risks commercial fishermen face daily. Governor Maura Healey said she was heartbroken by the loss and offered full state support to the Coast Guard and local officials. While search efforts have ended, investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the sinking. Community members across Cape Ann are now united in mourning, honoring the lives lost aboard the Lily Jean and the enduring legacy of Gloucester’s fishing heritage.
