Gloucester fishing tragedy as vessel sinks, one dead and six still missing
A fishing vessel sank Friday morning off the coast of Gloucester, leaving one person dead and six others missing as search crews continue to scour the waters.
The United States Coast Guard received an emergency position-indicating radio beacon signal around 6:50 a.m. from the Lily Jean, a 72-foot fishing vessel operating roughly 25 miles off the coast of Cape Ann. Seven people were on board, including a fisheries observer confirmed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
After attempts to contact the vessel failed, the Coast Guard launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a small boat crew. Responders later located a debris field near the beacon’s activation point, along with an unoccupied life raft. One body was recovered from the water. The victim’s identity has not been released.
The remaining six crew members are still missing. Officials said icy water conditions may have affected the vessel’s stability.
The loss has shaken the tight-knit Gloucester fishing community, where the dangers of the job are deeply understood. State officials said the Coast Guard’s 87-foot cutter Sturgeon will continue searching the area through the night.
Governor Maura Healey said the state has offered full support to local officials and the Coast Guard as the search continues.
The Lily Jean was previously featured in a 2012 episode of the History Channel series Nor’Easter Men.
Search efforts remain ongoing, and no additional updates were immediately available.
