The search for Captain Gus Sanfilippo, his crew, and a NOAA fishery observer, who went missing after their 72-foot fishing boat, the Lily Jean, sank off the Massachusetts coast amid severe winter weather, has been suspended. The Coast Guard received a distress signal from the boat shortly before 7 a.m. on Friday, prompting an emergency response that included helicopters and boats. Unfortunately, rescuers discovered one deceased individual in the water, while six others remain unaccounted for.
Coast Guard Commander Timothy Jones reported that search efforts covered approximately 1,000 square miles but were hampered by freezing sea spray and dangerous conditions. With temperatures at 12 degrees and waves reaching four feet, finding survivors became increasingly challenging. The search was officially called off after consultations indicated that all reasonable efforts had been exhausted.
Sanfilippo, a seasoned fisherman featured in the History Channel’s “Nor’Easter Men,” was known for his expertise in navigating perilous conditions. The fishing community in Gloucester is mourning the loss, with friends and family expressing their heartbreak over the incident. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy also extended her condolences, emphasizing the risks associated with commercial fishing, particularly in winter.
