News Stories & Articles

Boston Globe — Healey asks U.S. Navy to assist in investigation of Lily Jean

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey requested U.S. Navy assistance to recover key evidence from the wreck of the F/V Lily Jean, including a possible video recorder and hard drive that may help explain what caused the sinking. The request also included consideration of whether recovery of the crew members’ remains would be feasible to provide closure for families.

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NBC Boston — Healey asks Navy to help investigate sinking of Lily Jean, find remains of those lost

This report covers Governor Healey's request for federal assistance in locating the wreck, recovering evidence, and helping families obtain long-sought answers and closure.

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Fox News — Massachusetts Governor Asks U.S. Navy to Help Retrieve Bodies and Evidence from Sunken Fishing Vessel

Reports on Governor Maura Healey and Senator Bruce Tarr requesting U.S. Navy assistance to recover critical equipment from the wreck of the F/V Lily Jean, including a possible video recorder and hard drive that may help determine the cause of the sinking. The report also notes efforts being considered to recover the remaining crew members for family closure.

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Boston 25 News — Coverage of Recovery and Advocacy Efforts

News coverage documenting investigation updates, family advocacy, and ongoing efforts to locate the vessel and recover those lost at sea.

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Boston.com — Gloucester struggles for answers as search for sunken fishing boat continues

An overview of the ongoing search efforts, community response, and the questions that remain unanswered following the sinking.

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Gloucester Daily Times — Coverage of the F/V Lily Jean Tragedy

As Gloucester's hometown newspaper, the Gloucester Daily Times has provided extensive reporting on the sinking, search efforts, community response, and the ongoing advocacy of families seeking answers and closure.

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CBS Boston — What we know about the crewmembers of the Lily Jean

A tribute-focused article highlighting the lives, backgrounds, and stories of the men who were aboard the vessel.

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WBUR — All Seven Crew Members Aboard Ship That Sank Off Gloucester Coast Identified

Provides details about the crew members and documents the profound impact the tragedy had on families and the Gloucester fishing community.

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National Fisherman — Investigation into the Sinking of the Lily Jean

Industry coverage examining the incident, investigative efforts, and the broader implications for commercial fishing safety.

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Associated Press — Deep-Sea Technology Used to Locate the Wreck

Explains how advanced underwater search technology has been deployed in efforts to locate the vessel and gather information from the ocean floor.

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The New York Times — 6 Missing in Fishing Boat From Massachusetts Are Presumed Dead, Officials Say

National reporting that brought broader attention to the loss of the F/V Lily Jean, highlighting the dangers faced by commercial fishermen and the impact of the tragedy on families and coastal communities.

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Portland Press Herald — Regional Coverage of the F/V Lily Jean

Regional coverage examining the sinking's impact throughout New England's fishing industry and documenting the response of maritime communities connected by a shared way of life.

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Investigation Updates

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) — Sinking of Commercial Fishing Vessel Lily Jean

Provides official information regarding the federal investigation, accident details, and investigative updates.

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U.S. Coast Guard — Formal Investigation into the Sinking of the F/V Lily Jean

The official announcement of the Coast Guard's investigation into the circumstances surrounding the vessel's loss and recommendations aimed at improving maritime safety.

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Public Statements

Governor Maura Healey

Governor Healey acknowledged the loss of the F/V Lily Jean and emphasized the state’s support for families seeking answers. She also requested federal assistance, including involvement from the U.S. Navy, to help locate the vessel and explore recovery options for those lost at sea.

Senator Bruce Tarr

Senator Tarr has publicly supported continued efforts to locate the vessel and has worked with families and local officials to push for ongoing investigation and recovery resources.

Official Request to the U.S. Navy for Recovery Assistance

Community Events & Fundraisers

February 19, 2026 — Minglewood Harborside Fundraiser

A community-organized fundraising event where local residents gathered to support the families of the F/V Lily Jean crew through food sales, donations, raffles, fish prints, 50/50 drawings, and merchandise contributions. Proceeds went directly to the families through the Lily Jean Fund.

April 4, 2026 — “Left, Right, Center: A Sea of Support” Community Fundraiser

A community fundraising event held in Gloucester that brought together residents, local businesses, and supporters from across the fishing community. The event featured raffles, shared meals, and donation drives, creating a strong collective effort to support the families of the F/V Lily Jean crew. Proceeds went directly toward family support and ongoing advocacy efforts for recovery and closure.

April 30, 2026 — Gloucester Stage Benefit Event

A sold-out community gathering featuring storytelling, conversation, and a public talk by journalist Sebastian Junger. The event raised over $25,000 for the families of the F/V Lily Jean crew, bringing together community members for a night of reflection and support.

May 17, 2026 — “A Day of Music and Stories” Benefit Concert (The Cut, Gloucester)

A full-day community concert featuring live music, storytelling, raffles, and a silent auction. Local musicians, residents, and members of the fishing community gathered to honor the crew and raise funds for their families through the Lily Jean Fund.

August 2026 — Memorial Name Engraving Ceremony

A community remembrance event held in August where the names of the F/V Lily Jean crew will be formally engraved into a memorial space. Families, friends, and community members will honor the lives of those lost and ensure their names remain permanently remembered in Gloucester’s maritime history.