Coast Guard Searching for Survivors After Fishing Boat Sinks Off Massachusetts

One body recovered, seven people reported missing after commercial vessel Lily Jean goes down 25 miles off Cape Ann

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:31pm

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The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a search and rescue operation after the 72-foot commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean sank on Friday morning approximately 25 miles off the coast of Cape Ann, Massachusetts. The Coast Guard received an emergency distress signal from the boat and launched helicopter and boat crews, but only found debris, an unoccupied life raft, and one body in the water so far. Seven people, including a NOAA observer, were reported aboard the Lily Jean when it went down.

Why it matters

Gloucester, Massachusetts is a historic fishing town, and the loss of the Lily Jean and its crew is a devastating blow to the local fishing community. Commercial fishing is a dangerous occupation, and this incident highlights the risks that fishermen face, especially in harsh weather conditions off the New England coast.

The details

The Coast Guard received an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) alert from the Lily Jean around 6:50 a.m. local time on Friday. After failing to make contact with the vessel, the Coast Guard launched search and rescue crews including a helicopter, small boat, and the cutter Thunder Bay. Rescue teams found debris, an unoccupied life raft, and one body in the water near where the EPIRB signal originated.

  • The Coast Guard received the EPIRB alert around 6:50 a.m. local time on Friday, January 31, 2026.
  • Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

The players

Lily Jean

A 72-foot commercial fishing vessel that sank off the coast of Massachusetts.

Gus Sanfilippo

The captain of the Lily Jean, a fifth-generation commercial fisherman who was featured in a 2012 episode of the History Channel show "Nor'Easter Men".

Maura Healey

The Governor of Massachusetts, who has offered the state's full support in response to the incident.

Bruce Tarr

A Republican state senator from Gloucester, Massachusetts, who was friends with the missing captain Gus Sanfilippo.

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What they’re saying

“I'm heartbroken over the devastating news out of Gloucester about the sinking of the Lily Jean and have offered our full support to Mayor Lundberg, Harbormaster Lucido and the Coast Guard. I am praying for the crew, and my heart goes out to their loved ones and all Gloucester fishing families during this awful time.”

— Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts (foxnews.com)

“He's a person that has a big smile, and he gives you a warm embrace when he sees you. He is very, very skilled at what he does. … I'm going to make a prediction. Tonight, tomorrow and the days that follow, you're going to see strength. The strength that has made this the most historic fishing port in the United States of America.”

— Bruce Tarr, State Senator, Gloucester, Massachusetts (foxnews.com)

What’s next

The Coast Guard will continue its search and rescue operation in the waters off Cape Ann, Massachusetts, in an effort to find any survivors from the sunken fishing vessel Lily Jean.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers that commercial fishermen face in their daily work, and the vital role that the fishing industry plays in the culture and economy of coastal communities like Gloucester. The outpouring of support from state and local leaders underscores the deep impact this loss will have on the tight-knit fishing community.