BOSTON — A fishing vessel known as the Lily Jean, with a crew of seven aboard, has gone missing off the coast of Massachusetts, leading to an urgent search and rescue operation by the U.S. Coast Guard. The 72-foot vessel sent an emergency alert early Friday morning while located approximately 25 miles offshore near Cape Ann.
The Coast Guard initiated a rescue mission, deploying helicopter units, small boats, and the Coast Guard Cutter Thunder Bay. They discovered a debris field close to the alert's origin, retrieved an unresponsive individual from the water, and found an empty life raft, although no further members of the crew have yet been located.
The Lily Jean and its captain, Gus Sanfilippo, were prominently featured in a 2012 episode of the History Channel series “Nor’Easter Men.” Sanfilippo has been described as a seasoned captain with a strong legacy in commercial fishing, completing arduous trips for species like haddock, lobster, and flounder in often treacherous waters.
Vito Giacalone, who leads the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund, spoke affectionately of Sanfilippo: 'He was a dedicated fisherman and a close friend to many in our community. This incident is a profound loss for all of us.' Giacalone emphasized the dangers that fishermen routinely face, especially during winter months characterized by frigid temperatures and high waves.
According to reports, wind speeds reached about 27 mph with wave heights of four feet around the time of the alert, making conditions particularly perilous at sea.
Gloucester, recognized as America’s oldest working seaport, has a longstanding fishing culture deeply woven into its community identity. Past tragedies, including the loss of the fishing vessel Andrea Gail, have left scars that many in the area still feel. Council President Tony Gross described the situation as a 'huge tragedy,' expressing empathy for the families involved, who are caught between hope and despair.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her sorrow regarding the incident, stating, 'My heart goes out to their loved ones and all Gloucester fishing families during this awful time.' As the search continues, there remains an overarching concern for the safety of the fishermen and the harsh realities of life at sea.
