GLOUCESTER — State and local officials are mourning the loss of Gloucester-based fishing vessel Lily Jean after the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for the vessel’s missing crew. This development has sent waves of grief through the city’s fishing community.
On Monday, the Coast Guard announced that Rear Admiral Michael Platt, commander of the Northeast District, has launched a district-level formal investigation concerning the sinking of the 72-foot commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean and the subsequent loss of seven lives on Jan. 30.
At 6:50 a.m. on Jan. 30, the Coast Guard responded to an emergency position-indicating radio beacon activation from a fishing vessel 25 miles off the coast of Cape Ann. The seven crew members have been identified as: Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo, captain; Paul Beal Sr., crew; Paul “PJ” Beal Jr., crew; John Paul Rousanidis, crew; Freeman Short, crew; Sean Therrien, crew; and Jada Samitt, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fisheries observer.
It has been previously published that Sanfilippo, of Gloucester, was known as a fifth-generation fisherman who was featured on the History Channel’s “Nor’eastern Men,” which highlighted commercial fishing in New England.
A GoFundMe has been made to support the family of Paul Beal Sr. and Paul “PJ” Beal Jr., of Gloucester, which has already raised about $18,000.
Rousanidis was born in Salem and raised in Peabody until he was 8, according to a GoFundMe created by his family, which has raised about $5,000. He spent the rest of his childhood and young adulthood growing up in Greece before returning to Massachusetts. Rousanidis is survived by four sisters: Paula Rousanidis, Keri Rousanidis, Irene Rousanidis, and Lisa Russo; two brothers: Michael Brown and Paulo Rousanidis; and his mother, Ann Rousanidis.
The Short family has also created a GoFundMe, which has garnered over $40,000. The Short family is flying from all across the U.S. to be together and support one another.
Therrien grew up in Lynn and graduated from Lynn Tech; he later made Peabody his home. According to his GoFundMe, which has raised over $20,000 thus far, Therrien leaves behind his partner, Rebecca Carp, and two sons, Justin and Tyler. He is also survived by his father, Peter; his brother Eric and sister-in-law Jamie; his sisters Holly and Katie; and two beloved nieces who meant the world to him.
In a release from Samitt’s family, they describe the Virginia native as “vibrant and compassionate” and remember her “infectious smile and spirit.”
“The decision to suspend the search was incredibly difficult,” said Capt. Jamie Frederick, commander of Coast Guard Sector Boston. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members and friends of the lost crew of the Lily Jean, and with the entire Gloucester community during this heartbreaking time.”
According to the Coast Guard, a district-level formal investigation is launched for incidents of significant regional importance or those that may reveal broader issues with a class of vessel or areas of technical concern.
Lt. Commander Brett Igo, Coast Guard Northeast District investigation oversight coordinator, will serve as the lead investigating officer and will be assisted by: Lt. Jeanette Wheatley, assisting investigating officer; Petty Officer 2nd Class Trevor Wilson, recorder; Trevor Cowan, CFVS expert; LDCR Jordan Martin, legal counsel; and Lt. Commander Thomas Whalen, technical expert.
The National Transportation Safety Board will assist in the investigation. The findings of the investigation will determine whether it requires further review by a Marine Board of Investigation.
According to the Coast Guard, the purpose of the investigation is to identify measures that can improve the safety of life and property at sea, not to assign civil or criminal blame. The investigation is expected to take several months to complete.
The sinking of the Lily Jean underscores the dangers faced daily by commercial fishermen who depart ports like Gloucester to harvest the ocean’s resources, often at great personal risk. The incident has renewed painful memories in a city long shaped by both the bounty and the perils of the sea.
In a statement released following the Coast Guard’s decision to suspend its search on Jan. 31, Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll expressed heartbreak over the loss of the vessel’s crew.
“We are heartbroken,” the statement read. “With the U.S. Coast Guard’s decision to suspend its search for the Lily Jean, we join the families, fishing community, and City of Gloucester in grieving seven brave individuals who were taken far too soon. Today, our prayers are with these families and this community, for the lives lost, the memories they hold, and the strength it will take to face the days ahead.”
Healey and Driscoll emphasized Gloucester’s deep connection to the ocean, describing fishing as more than a livelihood for the community.
“The ocean isn’t just a livelihood here. It’s family; it’s history; it’s identity,” they said. “The loss of the Lily Jean now ripples through this community and brings up the hardest memories for so many fishing families. Please know: You are not alone.”
They also pledged continued support from the Commonwealth in the weeks and months ahead.
“Massachusetts will stand with you, not just in words but in actions,” the statement continued.
Earlier, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, whose district includes Gloucester, reflected on the risks inherent in commercial fishing and the toll the tragedy has taken on the community.
“Every day, men and women leave ports like Gloucester to harvest the bounty of the ocean for the people of our state and our nation, carrying with them the very real risk of not returning home,” Tarr said. “The sinking of the (fishing vessel) Lily Jean makes the consequences of that risk painfully real.”
Tarr also expressed gratitude for the extensive search and rescue efforts carried out under hazardous conditions.
“We are deeply appreciative of the ongoing and courageous efforts of the United States Coast Guard,” he said, along with the Gloucester Police Department, Harbor Masters, elected officials, and others who supported the community during the search. “We are praying for those aboard the vessel and their families who are enduring the anguish of not knowing the fate of their loved ones.”
On Monday, Senate President Karen E. Spilka shared that her “heart is with the City of Gloucester, family, friends, and loved ones of those lost on the Lily Jean, and with fishing families throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.”
“There are no words to adequately express the sorrow of losing someone who leaves in the morning for a day’s work and never returns,” Spilka said. “On behalf of the Senate, I am so very grateful to the Coast Guard and city officials who did all they could under difficult conditions to search for the missing. May those affected by this tragedy find strength and comfort in the days ahead.”
As the city mourns, officials say Gloucester’s long-standing traditions of unity, compassion, and resilience will be vital in helping families and the broader fishing community navigate the difficult days ahead.
Those seeking resources or wishing to support fishing families affected by the tragedy are encouraged to visit FishingPartnership.org.
Additionally, the Marblehead VFW Post 2005 will be fundraising for the seven who were aboard the Lily Jean on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 7-11 p.m. at 321 West Shore Dr. There will be live music from Glass Harbor Band, whose members sparked the idea of turning the Pre-Superbowl Party into a fundraiser.
“Marblehead and Gloucester are such similar towns: both historically and currently fishing towns… Hearing stories about losing family and losing people close to your town is just heartbreaking to me, growing up in Marblehead, to know that it’s happening just down the street… It’s the kind of story that hits really close to home when you grow up in a town like this, so we thought it was an appropriate decision, a good thing to do, to try to be supportive,” said Nick Sears, Glass Harbor Band member.
