In brief
The Coast Guard has begun an extensive search for the missing fishing boat Lily Jean, last heard from 25 miles off Cape Ann. The vessel is crewed by seven individuals, including captain Gus Sanfilippo, who previously appeared in the History Channel series 'Nor’Easter Men.' The search has already yielded debris, an empty life raft, and one unresponsive individual recovered from the water.
BOSTON (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard has initiated a search and rescue operation for the Lily Jean, a commercial fishing vessel that went missing off the coast of Massachusetts, carrying a crew of seven members. Rescue teams began looking for the boat early on Friday, following an alert indicating it was approximately 25 miles offshore near Gloucester, Massachusetts. The initial search efforts uncovered a debris field, an empty life raft, and one individual found in the water, who was unfortunately unresponsive.Captain Gus Sanfilippo, a fifth-generation fisherman renowned for his dedication, leads the crew on the Lily Jean. The vessel previously appeared in a 2012 episode of the History Channel's 'Nor’Easter Men,' which showcased the treacherous conditions faced by fishermen in the area. Sen. Bruce Tarr confirmed that all seven crew members were aboard when the boat disappeared.The Coast Guard's search operations have included an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, a small boat crew, and the Coast Guard Cutter Thunder Bay. The National Weather Service reported challenging conditions at sea with wind speeds reaching 27 mph and water temperatures near 39 degrees Fahrenheit.Gloucester, known as America's oldest working seaport, has a long history intertwined with commercial fishing. The local community is grappling with this latest tragedy. Gloucester Council President Tony Gross remarked on the severe emotional impact this incident has had on families and neighbors, expressing hope but also dread regarding the fate of their loved ones.Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey voiced her sorrow regarding the situation, acknowledging the integral role fishermen play in the state's history and economy. As the search continues, the community remains on high alert, reflecting on the dangers of deep-sea fishing, especially in harsh winter conditions.
