The search for the crew of the fishing vessel Lily Jean, which capsized off the coast of Massachusetts, has taken a tragic turn following a disturbing phone call made just hours before the incident. Gus Sanfilippo, the captain, spoke with fellow fisherman Sebastian Noto around 3 a.m. on Friday, expressing his concerns over the frigid conditions at sea, where temperatures were reported to be a bone-chilling 12 degrees. Sanfilippo indicated he was quitting due to the extreme cold, stating, “It’s too cold,” and described how freezing temperatures were causing air holes to freeze over.
When Noto hadn’t heard from Sanfilippo later in the day, he grew worried, as the two typically shared information regularly while working together. The Coast Guard began a search operation after receiving a beacon alert from the Lily Jean, which was located about 25 miles off Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Unfortunately, there was no Mayday call from the vessel, prompting an extensive search over 1,000 square miles employing helicopters, boats, and aircraft; the search was ultimately suspended after 24 hours due to the harsh conditions.
Capt. Jamie Frederick of the Coast Guard expressed deep sorrow over the decision to cease the search, extending thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of the crew. One body has been recovered; however, six individuals, including 22-year-old environmental biology graduate Jada Samitt, remain missing. Samitt’s family shared that being at sea was her passion, and her aunt, Heather Michaels, lamented the loss, highlighting the dedication she had for the profession.
The incident, which has left the Gloucester fishing community shaken, is currently under investigation. Vito Giacalone, from the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund, shared his heartbreak, noting the scale of the tragedy is unprecedented in recent memory. The crew of the Lily Jean had previously appeared in an episode of the History Channel’s “Nor’Easter Men,” showcasing the challenges faced by commercial fishermen. The community is now coming together to mourn the loss of the beloved fishermen as they navigate this difficult time.