GLOUCESTER MASSACHUSETTS, Authorities are continuing search and rescue efforts after a commercial fishing vessel sank off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts, with seven people believed to have been on board.
The United States Coast Guard confirmed that one body has been recovered as crews search for the remaining missing individuals.
The incident involves the Lily Jean, a fishing vessel reported to be between 72 and 80 feet in length, which went down Friday morning off Cape Ann.
According to a Coast Guard spokesperson, watchstanders received an emergency position-indicating radio beacon alert from the Lily Jean at approximately 6:50 a.m.
Initially, officials reported that six people were on board, but state authorities later confirmed that the vessel was carrying seven individuals at the time of the sinking.
After attempts to contact the vessel were unsuccessful, the Coast Guard launched a large-scale search operation, deploying an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a small boat crew to the area.
Responders later located a debris field about 25 miles off Cape Ann near where the distress signal was activated.
During the search, crews recovered an unoccupied life raft and located one deceased individual in the water.
The identity of the victim has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
The remaining six crew members are still unaccounted for.
Officials said the Lily Jean had reported taking on water before contact was lost, and the vessel is now presumed to have sunk.
Search efforts remain active, with the Coast Guard using multiple air and sea assets as weather and sea conditions allow.
The tragedy has deeply affected Gloucester’s fishing community.
Ashley Sullivan, a local business owner who knows the vessel’s owner, expressed her grief and noted the dangers fishermen face daily.
Massachusetts State Senator Bruce Tarr also offered condolences, saying Gloucester’s long maritime history has included tragic losses.
Governor Maura Healey released a statement saying she was heartbroken over the sinking and that her administration has offered assistance while extending prayers to the crew’s families and the broader fishing community.
Community members and local businesses have shared messages of support as the search continues.
The Lily Jean was captained by local fisherman Gus Sanfilippo and reportedly crewed by deckhands Paul Beal Sr. and Paul Beal Jr. Authorities said additional crew members, including a federal fisheries observer, were also on board.
The vessel had previously been featured on the History Channel series Nor’Easter Men.
The Coast Guard said further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
