The U.S. Coast Guard has launched a district-level formal investigation into the Jan. 30 sinking of the commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean off Cape Ann, a casualty that claimed the lives of all seven people aboard.
The search was suspended on Jan. 31 after all reasonable search efforts for the missing crewmembers had been exhausted.
At 6:50 a.m., on Jan. 30, the Coast Guard responded to an emergency position-indicating radio beacon activation from a fishing vessel 25 miles off the coast of Cape Ann. There were seven people on board the Lily Jean.
The seven crew members have been identified as follows:
- Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo, captain
- Paul Beal Sr., crew
- Paul Beal Jr., crew
- John Rousanidis, crew
- Freeman Short, crew
- Sean Therrien, crew
- Jada Samitt, NOAA fisheries observer
A district-level formal investigation is conducted by a Coast Guard investigating officer, who receives evidence and testimony under formal rules and procedures regarding a recent marine accident. This type of investigation is launched for incidents of significant regional importance or those that may reveal broader issues with a class of vessel or areas of technical concern.
Lt. Cmdr. Brett Igo, Coast Guard Northeast District investigation oversight coordinator, will serve as the lead investigating officer. He will be assisted by: Lt. Jeanette Wheatley, USCG, assistant investigating officer, Petty Officer 2nd Class Trevor Wilson, USCG, recorder , Mr. Trevor Cowan, USCG, CFVS Expert , LCDR Jordan Martin, USCG, Legal Counsel, Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Whalen, USCG, technical expert
The Coast Guard will also be joined by the National Transportation Safety Board in investigating the casualty.
Based on its findings, the investigation will determine if the accident requires further review by a Marine Board of Investigation.
The purpose of a Coast Guard investigation is to identify measures that can improve the safety of life and property at sea, not to assign civil or criminal blame. The investigation is expected to take several months to complete.
Additional details will be made public as the investigation continues.
