Coast Guard Launches Formal Investigation Into Deadly Sinking of F/V Lily Jean Off Massachusetts

Photo via Facebook/SV Lily Jean

Mike Schuler
February 2, 2026
The U.S. Coast Guard has opened a district-level formal investigation into the sinking of the commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean and the loss of seven lives approximately 25 miles off Cape Ann, Massachusetts, on January 30, 2026.

Rear Adm. Michael Platt, commander of the Coast Guard’s Northeast District, authorized the investigation following the tragic incident that claimed the entire crew of the 72-foot fishing vessel. The vessel activated an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) at approximately 6:50 a.m. on January 30, prompting an immediate response from Coast Guard assets.

Search operations involving an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Cape Cod, a small boat crew from Station Gloucester, and Coast Guard Cutter Thunder Bay located a debris field near the beacon’s reported position. Rescue crews recovered one unresponsive individual from the water and found the vessel’s life raft deployed but unoccupied.

After covering approximately 1,047 square miles during a 24-hour search effort, the Coast Guard suspended operations on January 31. “The decision to suspend the search was incredibly difficult,” said Capt. Jamie Frederick, commander of Coast Guard Sector Boston. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family members and friends of the lost crew of the Lilly Jean, and with the entire Gloucester community during this heartbreaking time.”

The seven crew members who perished have been identified as Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo, captain; Paul Beal Sr., Paul Beal Jr., John Rousanidis, Freeman Short, and Sean Therrien, crew members; and Jada Samitt, a NOAA fisheries observer.

Lt. Cmdr. Brett Igo, Coast Guard Northeast District investigation oversight coordinator, will serve as the lead investigating officer, assisted 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 participate in the investigation.

A district-level formal investigation is reserved for incidents of significant regional importance or those that may reveal broader issues with a class of vessel or areas of technical concern. Based on its findings, the investigation will determine if the accident requires further review by a Marine Board of Investigation.

The Coast Guard emphasized that the purpose of the investigation is to identify measures that can improve the safety of life and property at sea, not to assign civil or criminal blame. The investigation is expected to take several months to complete, with additional details to be made public as it continues.

gcaptain.com