Why It Matters
Massachusetts officials are seeking federal assistance to recover critical evidence from a commercial fishing vessel that sank in January, killing all seven crew members aboard. The wreckage lies in more than 300 feet of water about 25 miles off the Massachusetts coast, beyond the reach of standard salvage operations. Only one body has been recovered, and families are pressing for the retrieval of their loved ones’ remains.
What Happened
Governor Maura Healey and State Senator Bruce Tarr sent a letter to the Secretary of the Navy this week requesting help retrieving a video recorder and hard drive from the wreck of the Lily Jean. The 72-foot commercial fishing vessel sank on January 30 in the Atlantic Ocean.
The equipment could provide critical information about what caused the sinking. Healey also asked the Navy to assess the feasibility of recovering the remains of the six crew members still at sea, in accordance with each family’s wishes.
The governor’s office said it had previously asked the National Transportation Safety Board and U.S. Coast Guard to investigate the equipment, but the NTSB informed state officials it does not intend to lead a recovery effort. A Navy spokesperson confirmed receipt of the correspondence and said a response is being prepared.
By the Numbers
The vessel sank in more than 300 feet of water. Coast Guard search crews covered 1,047 square miles over 24 hours before suspending the search on January 31. Seven people were aboard when the boat went down. Only one body—that of Captain Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo—has been recovered.
The Coast Guard received an emergency position indicating radio beacon alert at approximately 6:50 a.m. on January 30. Search crews found debris near the beacon’s activation point, along with the captain’s body and an unoccupied life raft that had been deployed.
The Victims
The six crew members whose remains have not been recovered include Paul Beal Jr., John Rousanidis, Freeman Short, Sean Therrien, and NOAA fisheries observer Jada Samitt. A sixth crew member was also aboard.
Freeman Short, 31, was planning a wedding at the time of his death. His mother told local media she spoke with him days before the trip and that recovering his body is important so he can be laid to rest beside his grandfathers, both veterans.
What’s Next
The Navy is preparing a response to the governor’s request. The National Transportation Safety Board and Coast Guard continue their investigation into the sinking, though the NTSB has said it does not conduct recovery operations. Families are awaiting word on whether federal resources will be committed to retrieving the equipment and remains from the wreckage.