A fishing trip turned deadly off the coast of Massachusetts when the 72-foot vessel Lily Jean sank early Friday morning, taking seven people with it.
Among them were crew members and a young federal fisheries observer.
The loss has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit fishing community of Gloucester and beyond.
Remembering the Crew and Observer
The captain of the vessel, Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo, was well-known in the fishing world and even appeared on a 2012 episode of the History Channel series Nor’Easter Men.
Those who perished alongside him include father-and-son pair Paul Beal Sr. and Paul Beal Jr., John Rousanidis, 33, Freeman Short, 44, Sean Therrien, 44, and Jada Samitt, a 22-year-old NOAA fisheries observer.
Family and friends have taken to social media and GoFundMe pages to honor their memories.
Therrien’s wife shared a heartbreaking message, urging others to hug their loved ones tightly, while highlighting the depth of the loss.
GoFundMe pages describe him as a devoted father, a humorist, and an adventurer who loved four-wheeling, dirt bikes, and racing RC cars.
Rousanidis’ family recalled his lifelong love of the sea, noting that he found peace only on the water.
Short’s aunt praised him for his faith, service as a soldier, and unwavering dedication to family.
Samitt’s family described her as vibrant, compassionate, and brave, committed to both her work and protecting the oceans she loved.
A Family and Community in Shock
Jackie Beal, daughter and sister to Paul Beal Sr. and Jr., described the tragedy as a “living nightmare,” grappling with grief, anger, and disbelief.
Families of all the victims continue to mourn and lean on their community for support.
GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to help families navigate the devastating aftermath.
Mystery Surrounds the Sinking
Details of the Lily Jean’s disappearance remain unclear.
The boat did not issue a Mayday call, and authorities were instead alerted by the vessel’s emergency beacon shortly before 7 a.m. A massive search covering 1,000 square miles involved aircraft, Coast Guard cutters, and small boats.
Despite these efforts, only one body and an empty life raft were found, and freezing temperatures made survival highly unlikely.
Coast Guard Response
Jamie Frederick, the Coast Guard’s sector Boston commander, confirmed that after exhausting all reasonable search efforts, the operation was suspended.
An official marine casualty investigation has begun, though no clear cause for the sinking has yet emerged.
Community Leaders Reflect
Vito Giacalone, head of the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund, remembered Sanfilippo as a seasoned, hardworking fisherman from a family deeply rooted in the trade.
Gloucester Council President Tony Gross called the loss “a huge tragedy for this community,” emphasizing the impact on a town where fishing is both livelihood and way of life.
What Comes Next
While answers remain scarce, families, friends, and the Gloucester community are left to grieve and honor the memories of those lost.
The investigation into the Lily Jean will continue, but for now, the focus is on remembrance, support, and coping with a tragedy that has touched countless lives.
