Gloucester fishing vessel sinks; Coast Guard searches frigid Atlantic for missing crew

GLOUCESTER, Mass. (JN) – U.S. Coast Guard crews are searching the Atlantic Ocean off Gloucester, Massachusetts, for six fishermen missing after a commercial vessel sank. One person has been confirmed dead, and debris along with an empty life raft were found at the site.

The incident occurred without a distress call, and authorities say the vessel’s emergency beacon was the first sign of trouble. Rescuers face freezing temperatures, high winds, and limited visibility as they continue to search.

The sinking has sent shockwaves through Gloucester, a city whose identity is closely tied to fishing. Generations of families have worked these waters, making maritime losses a painful and shared experience.

Search and rescue operations face harsh conditions

The Coast Guard said the emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) from the 72-foot fishing vessel Lily Jean activated early Friday after the boat entered the water. The vessel had been returning to Gloucester when it encountered difficulties in the North Atlantic.

Rescue crews found one deceased person, debris, and an empty life raft. Six crew members remain missing.

Coast Guard Commander Timothy Jones, overseeing the operation, said the search continued through the night despite dangerous conditions. “Freezing sea spray is creating hazards for both survivors and rescuers,” he said.

Gloucester community mourns historic maritime loss

The sinking of the Lily Jean has revived painful memories in Gloucester, one of America’s oldest fishing ports. The city has faced repeated maritime tragedies over the centuries.

Gloucester drew international attention after the 1991 disappearance of the FV Andrea Gail, later chronicled in The Perfect Storm. Residents say such losses remain deeply felt.

“This is a community that has known this type of loss before,” said State Senator Bruce Tarr, confirming seven people were on the vessel. He described the captain as a longtime friend and became emotional while speaking near the harbor.

Experienced captain and crew well known locally

Captain Gus Sanfilippo, a fifth-generation fisherman, was widely regarded as highly skilled. He and his crew were featured in a 2012 episode of the History Channel’s Nor’Easter Men, showing long, demanding trips in harsh conditions, often lasting up to ten days, targeting haddock, lobster, and flounder.

“He’s a person with a big smile and a warm embrace,” Tarr said. “He is extremely skilled at what he does.”

Tarr added that losing the vessel was difficult to comprehend given the captain’s experience. “The fact that it now rests at the bottom of the ocean is hard to understand,” he said.

Weather and sea conditions complicate search

Coast Guard officials said freezing temperatures and rough seas make locating survivors extremely difficult, especially at night. Sector Boston Commander Jamie Frederick likened the search to “finding a coconut in the ocean.”

At the time of the alert, the National Weather Service reported winds around 27 mph, four-foot waves, air temperatures near 12°F (-11°C), and water temperatures at 39°F (4°C). A nor’easter forecast for the weekend could further hinder rescue efforts.

Fishing industry mourns as dangers resurface

Commercial fishing is one of the world’s most dangerous occupations, particularly in winter. Even experienced crews face hazards from weather, equipment, and icy seas.

“Fishing is a tough living,” said Vito Giacalone, head of the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund. “It’s as safe as the elements allow it to be.”

Giacalone described Sanfilippo as a familiar figure in the community. “We saw him every day. He attended our kids’ weddings. There is a strong sense of loss here,” he said.

Families and officials await answers

Everett Sawyer, a childhood friend of Sanfilippo, said he was still processing the news. He noted that winter conditions can quickly overwhelm even experienced sailors.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that a fishery observer was aboard. Observers collect data on fishing practices to support regulatory oversight.

Gloucester City Council President Tony Gross, a retired fisherman, described the situation as devastating. “Families are half full of hope, half full of dread,” he said.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issued a statement of sympathy. “I am heartbroken to hear about the sinking,” she said. “My heart goes out to the crew’s loved ones and all Gloucester fishing families during this difficult time.”