Search Intensifies for Sunken Fishing Boat Off Gloucester
GLOUCESTER, MASS. — Authorities provided a crucial update on Wednesday regarding the ongoing search for the Lily Jean, a 72-foot fishing vessel that sank on January 30, approximately 25 miles east of Gloucester. Tragically, the incident claimed the lives of the boat’s captain, five crew members, and an observer from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed deep sorrow, stating that the victims represented the heart and soul of the fishing community and the state itself.
Coast Guard’s Challenging Search Efforts
The U.S. Coast Guard faced treacherous conditions during their search and rescue operations, battling eight to ten-foot seas and winds reaching 30 knots, compounded by freezing sea spray. Despite these challenges, crews managed to locate an unoccupied life raft, debris, and the body of Captain Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo on the ocean’s surface. U.S. Coast Guard Commander Jamie Frederick noted that the debris field was consistent with items that might float off a fishing vessel during a sinking, rather than indicating a catastrophic hull failure.
Officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking. The Coast Guard highlighted that freezing sea spray can significantly affect a boat’s stability, contributing to the ongoing inquiry. Massachusetts Environmental Police have deployed side scan sonar technology to map the ocean floor near the debris field. Col. John Monahan of the Environmental Police stated that their role involves collecting data for analysis, which will inform the next steps in the investigation.
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To enhance their search capabilities, environmental police have utilized a larger vessel for sonar scans, while NOAA has dispatched the ship Thomas Jefferson to conduct detailed mapping of the area. The data collected is currently under analysis, with hopes of identifying the wreck’s location. If a potential wreck site is discovered, authorities may deploy a tethered unmanned robot for further examination, and they plan to consult with the victims’ families regarding subsequent actions.
Community Grief and Calls for Respect
Rick Beal, who has lost both his brother Paul and nephew P.J. in the tragedy, expressed gratitude towards the Coast Guard and all involved in the recovery efforts. However, he condemned the rampant online speculation surrounding the incident. Beal emphasized that Captain Sanfilippo was a cautious skipper who prioritized safety. “Hopefully in the future, the investigation will give us some light about what happened,” he stated. “But as of now, only God knows what happened that fateful morning. Let us pray and cherish the memories of these seven lost souls.”
