Timeline of Events

January 30, 2026

At approximately 6:50 a.m., the U.S. Coast Guard received a distress signal from an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) registered to the F/V Lily Jean. The vessel's last known position was approximately 20 nautical miles east of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Seven people were reported aboard the vessel, including six crew members and a NOAA fisheries observer.

The Coast Guard launched an extensive search and rescue operation. During the search, crews located: the vessel's EPIRB, an unoccupied life raft, a debris field, and one deceased individual recovered from the water. No mayday call was received from the vessel. 

January 31, 2026

After approximately 24 hours of continuous search operations covering more than 1,000 square miles, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for survivors. Officials stated that all reasonable search efforts had been exhausted. All remaining crew members were presumed lost at sea.

February 2, 2026

The U.S. Coast Guard Northeast District announced the launch of a formal investigation into the sinking of the F/V Lily Jean and the loss of seven lives. The vessel was declared a major marine casualty. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also opened an investigation and began working alongside the Coast Guard to determine the cause of the sinking.

February 3, 2026

NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration joined ongoing federal efforts related to the incident and investigation.

February 18, 2026

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey joined federal, state, and local officials in Gloucester to announce expanded efforts to locate the wreck of the F/V Lily Jean. Authorities confirmed that the U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA, Massachusetts Environmental Police, and NTSB investigators were working together to locate the vessel using advanced seafloor mapping technology. 

March 2026

Massachusetts Environmental Police deployed side-scan sonar equipment to collect seafloor data and identify possible wreckage targets. Agencies began analyzing sonar returns and planning for the use of remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) once conditions allowed. The F/V Lily Jean was located on the ocean floor.

April 2026

Federal and state agencies continued investigative efforts offshore of Cape Ann. Survey data collected during the winter and spring months was reviewed to help determine why the F/V Lily Jean sank.

May 2026

Governor Maura Healey and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr formally requested assistance from the U.S. Navy to support efforts related to the F/V Lily Jean investigation and potential recovery operations. Officials stated that equipment believed to remain within the wreck, including the vessel's video recording system and hard drives, could provide important information about the vessel's final moments and the cause of the sinking. The request also sought assistance in locating and recovering the remains of those lost aboard.

Present Day

Federal investigators continue to examine evidence related to the loss of the vessel and the circumstances that led to the tragedy. The families of Freeman Short, John Rousanidis, and Sean Therrien have continued to advocate for U.S. Navy involvement in recovery and investigative efforts.

Unanswered Questions

Despite ongoing investigations by federal and state agencies, there are still important unanswered questions surrounding the loss of the F/V Lily Jean. Understanding what happened is essential not only for closure, but for ensuring that lessons are learned that may improve safety for others working at sea. Until these questions are answered, the need for continued investigation and recovery remains.

Sequence of Events: Were there warning signs? 

The precise sequence of events that led to the sinking has not yet been fully determined. While the captain and debris field were noted, the exact moment and mechanism of the vessel’s loss remain under investigation.

Cause of the Sinking: Why did the vessel sink so rapidly?

The official cause of the sinking has not been established. Investigators continue to evaluate possible contributing factors, which may include mechanical issues, flooding, stability concerns, environmental conditions, human factors, or a combination of these elements.

Final Moments Onboard: Why wasn't there a mayday call?

There is no confirmed account of what occurred on board immediately before the vessel was lost. No distress call or verbal mayday was received, and the circumstances that prevented communication remain unknown.

Wreck Evidence: What conditions aboard the vessel contributed to the incident?

Without raising the vessel, it is not possible to fully understand the internal condition of the hull, machinery spaces, or structural components at the time of loss. While external imaging and sonar data can provide a limited view, they cannot definitively explain how the sinking began, how it progressed, or what sequence of failures occurred.

Recovery Status: What is preventing full recovery operations, despite available federal and military deep-sea recovery capabilities used in other maritime incidents?

Although the vessel has been located, recovery of the crew has not yet occurred. Families continue to seek clarity on what steps are required to move forward and what factors are currently delaying or limiting action.