The U.S. Coast Guard has started a formal investigation into the sinking of the commercial fishing boat Lily Jean, which resulted in the loss of seven lives about 25 miles off Cape Ann, Massachusetts, on January 30, 2026.
Rear Adm. Michael Platt, the commander of the Coast Guard's Northeast District, approved this investigation after the tragic incident took the lives of the entire crew of the 72-foot fishing vessel. The boat sent out an emergency signal (EPIRB) at around 6:50 a.m. on January 30, which triggered an immediate rescue response.
Search efforts involved a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod, a small boat crew from Station Gloucester, and Coast Guard Cutter Thunder Bay. They found a debris field near where the beacon was located. Rescue teams managed to recover one person who was unresponsive from the water, and they discovered that the life raft from the vessel was deployed but empty.
After covering approximately 1,047 square miles in a 24-hour search, the Coast Guard decided to suspend operations on January 31. "It was a very tough decision to suspend the search," said Capt. Jamie Frederick, commander of Coast Guard Sector Boston. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the lost crew of the Lily Jean, as well as the entire Gloucester community during this difficult time."
The seven crew members who lost their lives have been named as Accursio "Gus" Sanfilippo (captain), Paul Beal Sr., Paul Beal Jr., John Rousanidis, Freeman Short, Sean Therrien, and Jada Samitt (a NOAA fisheries observer).
Lt. Cmdr. Brett Igo will lead the investigation as the officer in charge, supported by Lt. Jeanette Wheatley, Petty Officer 2nd Class Trevor Wilson, Mr. Trevor Cowan, LCDR Jordan Martin, and Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Whalen. The National Transportation Safety Board will also take part in the investigation.
A formal investigation at the district level is conducted for incidents that are regionally important or might uncover broader issues with types of vessels or technical problems. The findings will help decide if the accident needs further review by a Marine Board of Investigation.
The Coast Guard clarified that the goal of the investigation is to find ways to enhance safety at sea, rather than to place blame. The investigation is expected to take several months, with more details released as it progresses.