Search for Missing Crew Suspended After Massachusetts Fishing Boat Sinks
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- The US Coast Guard has suspended the search for seven crew members of the Lily Jean, a fishing vessel that sank off Massachusetts.
- The vessel's emergency beacon triggered the search, but no mayday call was made; a debris field and a body were found.
- The Lily Jean, featured in the History Channel's "Nor'easter Men," is part of Gloucester's storied fishing heritage.
- Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her condolences, highlighting the tragedy's impact on the local community.
- Weather conditions at the time included 27mph winds and 4ft waves, making the search and rescue efforts challenging.
The US Coast Guard has called off the search for seven crew members of the Lily Jean, a commercial fishing vessel that tragically sank off the coast of Massachusetts. The vessel, which was located approximately 25 miles off Cape Ann, sent an emergency alert early Friday morning, prompting a large-scale search operation.
Search Efforts and Discovery
Despite extensive efforts covering roughly 1,000 square miles using aircraft, cutters, and small boats, the search was suspended on Saturday. Crews discovered a debris field, an unoccupied life raft, and a body in the water near the alert's location. The Coast Guard reported that no mayday call was made, and the search was initiated by the vessel's emergency beacon, which activates upon contact with water.
A Community in Mourning
The Lily Jean, a 72-foot vessel, was well-known in the Gloucester fishing community and had appeared in the History Channel's "Nor'easter Men." The captain, Gus Sanfilippo, was a fifth-generation fisherman, celebrated for his skill and dedication. State Senator Bruce Tarr described Sanfilippo as a beloved figure, known for his warmth and expertise. "The fact that the vessel now rests at the bottom of the ocean is very hard to understand," Tarr remarked.
Impact on Gloucester
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her sorrow over the incident, acknowledging the profound impact on Gloucester, America's oldest fishing port. "Fishermen and fishing vessels are core to the history, economy, and culture of Gloucester and Cape Ann," she stated, emphasizing the tragedy's reach across the state.
Challenging Conditions
At the time of the incident, the National Weather Service reported challenging conditions with wind speeds of 27mph and waves reaching 4ft. The frigid temperatures, with air at 12F and water at 39F, added to the perilous nature of the search and rescue mission.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The suspension of the search for the Lily Jean's crew marks a somber moment for the Gloucester community, known for its deep ties to the fishing industry. As the investigation into the sinking continues, questions about maritime safety and emergency protocols may arise, potentially leading to policy reviews or changes in safety regulations for fishing vessels.
The loss also underscores the inherent risks of deep-sea fishing, particularly in the harsh winter conditions of New England. As the community mourns, there may be renewed discussions on improving safety measures and support systems for those who work in this perilous industry.
In the coming weeks, the focus will likely shift to honoring the legacy of the crew and supporting their families, while also reflecting on the resilience and strength that has defined Gloucester's fishing heritage for centuries.
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Search for Missing Crew Suspended After Massachusetts Fishing Boat Sinks
In This Article
Ethan Brooks| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- The US Coast Guard has suspended the search for seven crew members of the Lily Jean, a fishing vessel that sank off Massachusetts.
- The vessel's emergency beacon triggered the search, but no mayday call was made; a debris field and a body were found.
- The Lily Jean, featured in the History Channel's "Nor'easter Men," is part of Gloucester's storied fishing heritage.
- Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her condolences, highlighting the tragedy's impact on the local community.
- Weather conditions at the time included 27mph winds and 4ft waves, making the search and rescue efforts challenging.
The US Coast Guard has called off the search for seven crew members of the Lily Jean, a commercial fishing vessel that tragically sank off the coast of Massachusetts. The vessel, which was located approximately 25 miles off Cape Ann, sent an emergency alert early Friday morning, prompting a large-scale search operation.
Search Efforts and Discovery
Despite extensive efforts covering roughly 1,000 square miles using aircraft, cutters, and small boats, the search was suspended on Saturday. Crews discovered a debris field, an unoccupied life raft, and a body in the water near the alert's location. The Coast Guard reported that no mayday call was made, and the search was initiated by the vessel's emergency beacon, which activates upon contact with water.
A Community in Mourning
The Lily Jean, a 72-foot vessel, was well-known in the Gloucester fishing community and had appeared in the History Channel's "Nor'easter Men." The captain, Gus Sanfilippo, was a fifth-generation fisherman, celebrated for his skill and dedication. State Senator Bruce Tarr described Sanfilippo as a beloved figure, known for his warmth and expertise. "The fact that the vessel now rests at the bottom of the ocean is very hard to understand," Tarr remarked.
Impact on Gloucester
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her sorrow over the incident, acknowledging the profound impact on Gloucester, America's oldest fishing port. "Fishermen and fishing vessels are core to the history, economy, and culture of Gloucester and Cape Ann," she stated, emphasizing the tragedy's reach across the state.
Challenging Conditions
At the time of the incident, the National Weather Service reported challenging conditions with wind speeds of 27mph and waves reaching 4ft. The frigid temperatures, with air at 12F and water at 39F, added to the perilous nature of the search and rescue mission.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The suspension of the search for the Lily Jean's crew marks a somber moment for the Gloucester community, known for its deep ties to the fishing industry. As the investigation into the sinking continues, questions about maritime safety and emergency protocols may arise, potentially leading to policy reviews or changes in safety regulations for fishing vessels.
The loss also underscores the inherent risks of deep-sea fishing, particularly in the harsh winter conditions of New England. As the community mourns, there may be renewed discussions on improving safety measures and support systems for those who work in this perilous industry.
In the coming weeks, the focus will likely shift to honoring the legacy of the crew and supporting their families, while also reflecting on the resilience and strength that has defined Gloucester's fishing heritage for centuries.
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