Maine National Guard Mourns Guardsman Lost at Sea

Fishing vessel sinks off Gloucester, Massachusetts, killing seven crew members including a Maine National Guard member.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Maine National Guard is mourning the loss of one of their own, Freeman Short, who was among the seven crew members killed when the fishing vessel "Lily Jean" sank off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts on Tuesday. Short was remembered as a caring mentor within the Army family.

Why it matters

The loss of a National Guard member is deeply felt within the military community, as they serve both their country and their local communities. This tragedy highlights the dangers that those in the fishing industry face, and the impact that such losses can have on small, tight-knit groups like the Maine National Guard.

The details

Seven people were killed when the fishing vessel "Lily Jean" sank off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts on Tuesday. Freeman Short, a member of the Maine National Guard, was among those lost at sea. Short was remembered by the Guard as a caring mentor within the Army family.

  • The fishing vessel "Lily Jean" sank on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
  • The Maine National Guard announced the loss of Freeman Short on February 7, 2026.

The players

Freeman Short

A member of the Maine National Guard who was among the seven crew members killed when the fishing vessel "Lily Jean" sank off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Maine National Guard

The military organization that is mourning the loss of one of its members, Freeman Short, who died in the fishing vessel sinking.

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What they’re saying

“Freeman Short was a caring mentor within the Army family, and he is deeply missed.”

— Maine National Guard (WGME)

The takeaway

This tragic loss highlights the dangers faced by those in the fishing industry, as well as the impact that such losses can have on tight-knit military communities like the Maine National Guard. The Guard's mourning of Freeman Short underscores the importance of supporting service members and their families, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.