Rescue crews continued an urgent search in the frigid Atlantic Ocean after a commercial fishing vessel from Gloucester, Massachusetts, sank offshore, leaving six people missing and one confirmed dead, authorities said Friday.
The U.S. Coast Guard launched a large-scale search-and-rescue operation after receiving an emergency signal from the Lily Jean, a 72-foot fishing boat, roughly 25 miles east of Cape Ann. The alert was transmitted by the vessel’s emergency beacon, which activates automatically when submerged. No mayday call was received.
When Coast Guard teams arrived at the scene, they discovered a debris field, an empty life raft, and one body floating in the water. Officials confirmed that seven people were on board at the time of the incident.
“This is an extremely challenging operation,” said Coast Guard Commander Timothy Jones, who is overseeing the mission. He noted that freezing sea spray, strong winds, and near-freezing water temperatures posed serious risks to both potential survivors and rescue crews. Despite the dangers, search efforts continued through the night.
The Lily Jean was returning to Gloucester—widely regarded as America’s oldest fishing port—when the incident occurred. The city’s long maritime history has been shaped by both prosperity and loss, and news of the sinking has deeply affected the close-knit fishing community.
The vessel was captained by Gus Sanfilippo, a fifth-generation fisherman known throughout the region for his experience and dedication. Sanfilippo and his crew were previously featured in a documentary series highlighting the demanding and hazardous nature of commercial fishing in the North Atlantic.
Massachusetts State Sen. Bruce Tarr, a personal friend of Sanfilippo, confirmed the number of people aboard and spoke emotionally about the captain’s character. “He was highly skilled, deeply respected, and always greeted people with warmth,” Tarr said. “This loss is incredibly hard to comprehend.”
Flowers were placed Friday at the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial as residents gathered to mourn and wait for updates. Community leaders described a town caught between hope and heartbreak as families awaited word on their loved ones.
Search conditions were described as severe. At the time of the emergency signal, winds offshore were reported at nearly 30 mph, with four-foot waves and air temperatures around 12 degrees Fahrenheit. Water temperatures were approximately 39 degrees, conditions that drastically limit survival time without proper protection.
Coast Guard officials compared the difficulty of the search to “finding a coconut in the ocean,” particularly as a winter nor’easter approaches the East Coast, threatening to further complicate rescue efforts.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that a federal fishery observer was also aboard the vessel. Observers are assigned to commercial fishing boats to collect data used for fisheries management and conservation.
Commercial fishing remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, especially during winter months when weather can shift rapidly. Veteran fishermen in Gloucester say even the most experienced crews are vulnerable to the Atlantic’s unpredictable power.
“This industry is built on hard work and risk,” said Vito Giacalone of the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund. “When something like this happens, everyone feels it.”
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey issued a statement expressing her sorrow, calling the incident a tragedy felt far beyond Cape Ann. “My heart is with the crew, their families, and the entire Gloucester fishing community during this devastating time,” she said.
As the search continues, Gloucester stands united—drawing strength from its centuries-old maritime roots while hoping against the odds for survivors to be found.
