In brief
The Lily Jean, a 72-foot fishing vessel with a crew of seven, disappeared approximately 25 miles offshore near Gloucester, Massachusetts. Coast Guard efforts have so far located debris and recovered one unresponsive crew member. The situation has caused deep concern in the local fishing community, with ties to the vessel's captain, Gus Sanfilippo, who was featured in a fishing reality show.
BOSTON (AP) — A fishing vessel that went missing off the coast of Massachusetts was carrying a crew of seven people, a state senator said Friday. The Coast Guard launched a search and rescue mission early Friday after receiving an alert from the 72-foot Lily Jean about 25 miles off Cape Ann. They located a debris field near where the alert was sent along with a body in the water. It continued to maintain its search and rescue efforts into Friday evening.Republican State Sen. Bruce Tarr reported late Friday that the seven crew members were aboard the boat. The Lily Jean, captained by Gus Sanfilippo, was previously featured in a 2012 episode of the History Channel show 'Nor’Easter Men'. Sanfilippo, a fifth-generation commercial fisherman based in Gloucester, is known for his dedication to fishing in dangerous conditions, sometimes spending up to 10 days at sea fishing for haddock, lobster, and flounder.The Coast Guard reported they attempted to reach the vessel and promptly deployed an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, small boat crew, and the Coast Guard Cutter Thunder Bay in the search. They found debris and recovered one unresponsive person from the water, alongside an empty life raft.Gloucester, described as America’s oldest working seaport, has a long-standing fishing tradition and is no stranger to maritime tragedies, including that of the FV Andrea Gail which went missing in 1991, inspiring the film 'The Perfect Storm'. Vito Giacalone, head of the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund, expressed his sorrow over Sanfilippo's situation, remembering him as a hardworking individual from a fishing family.With conditions at sea presenting risks, including high waves and cold temperatures, commercial fishing remains one of the most dangerous professions. As the search effort continues, community members and officials, including Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, have expressed their support for the families involved, describing the emotional turmoil as they remain hopeful yet apprehensive about the crew's fate. Gloucester Council President Tony Gross echoed similar sentiments about the tragedy affecting the entire community, highlighting the hope and dread felt by the loved ones of the missing fishermen.
