The U.S. Navy has declined a request from Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey to assist with recovery efforts involving the wreckage of the Gloucester-based fishing vessel Lily Jean, but its response offered little explanation for why it could not help.
According to reporting from Boston.com, the Navy informed Healey in a July 27 letter that it would not provide the salvage and recovery assistance sought by the state as officials continue efforts to determine what caused the 72-foot fishing vessel to sink off Cape Ann in January with seven people aboard.
“We are deeply sympathetic toward the families affected by this tragedy,” the Navy wrote. “However, the U.S. Navy is unable to fulfill your request for salvage and recovery.”
The letter did not provide a direct reason for why the Navy was unable to assist with the recovery.
Healey reached out to the Navy in May seeking assistance with the investigation, particularly in recovering equipment aboard the vessel that could contain information about its final moments. The Lily Jean reportedly carried a hard drive and video recorder that the manufacturer believes could potentially yield information if recovered from the wreck.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said the Navy remains in contact with the U.S. Coast Guard, which is leading the investigation alongside the National Transportation Safety Board.
“It is our understanding both the USCG and the NTSB have the requisite information to conclude the investigation,” Cao wrote.
The Navy also noted that it had not received a request from the federal government to recover the vessel. However, the letter did not indicate whether that fact was the reason the Navy declined Healey’s request or whether other operational, jurisdictional or technical considerations factored into the decision.
The Lily Jean sank approximately 25 miles off Cape Ann on Jan. 30 while returning to Gloucester from a fishing trip. Seven people were aboard. The Coast Guard conducted an extensive search following the sinking before suspending active search efforts.
Despite the Navy's decision, Massachusetts officials say efforts to recover potential evidence from the vessel are continuing.
A spokeswoman for Healey told Boston.com that the governor's office is reviewing the Navy's response and remains hopeful that other federal assistance could become available.
“We are also continuing to move forward with state efforts to investigate crucial equipment on board and bring closure to the families of the lost crew members,” the spokeswoman said.
Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, who represents Gloucester, called the Navy's decision “disappointing” but said officials would continue looking for ways to recover information that could help determine what happened.
“We will continue to pursue all available avenues to obtain any possible information or item that can shed light on the cause of the sinking, and efforts that can help bring closure to family members who have been so deeply impacted by losses,” Tarr said.
The Coast Guard and NTSB investigations into the loss of the Lily Jean remain ongoing.
