Sunken Gloucester fishing boat: How to support the families of the 7 crew members
As the North Shore and New England fishing communities mourn the loss of the seven crew members of a Gloucester fishing boat that sank off the coast of Cape Ann on Friday, fundraisers are collecting money for the families of the crew.
The U.S. Coast Guard began searching for a 72-foot fishing vessel known as the "Lily Jean" Friday morning after receiving a signal from an emergency position-indicating beacon, the Coast Guard said previously. By Friday evening, searchers had discovered a debris field near the signal's reported location and recovered one of the crew members' bodies.
After searching nearly 1,050 square miles over the course of a day, the Coast Guard suspended its search Saturday morning. The Lily Jean was returning to Gloucester after a fishing trip when it sank.
It is unclear what caused the sinking of the Lily Jean, but on Monday, the Coast Guard announced it would be conducting "a district-level formal investigation" into the incident. The Coast Guard also officially identified the fishing vessel's crew members.
The crew members have been identified as:
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Accursio "Gus" Sanfilippo, captain
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Paul Beal Sr., crew
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Paul Beal Jr., crew
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John Rousanidis, crew
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Freeman Short, crew
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Sean Therrien, crew
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Jada Samitt, NOAA fisheries observer and crew
Those looking to offer support to the families of all the crew members should donate to a local non-profit called Fishing Partnership Support Services , Gloucester State Sen. Bruce Tarr, a Republican, recommended Monday.
GoFundMe campaigns for specific crew members' families
A campaign for the family of crew member Freeman Short had raised over $43,000 of its $50,000 goal by Monday evening.
Short's aunt described him as "a son, a great brother, a friend, a boyfriend, and above all, a son of God," in a Sunday Facebook post . He was from the South Shore, according to New Bedford Guide .
Facebook posts from friends indicate he was also a U.S. Army veteran. In addition to his aunt, he leaves behind his mother, girlfriend, cousins and many other relatives and friends.
A campaign collecting money for the family of crew members Paul Beal and his son, Paul Beal Jr. , had raised over $19,000 of its $30,000 goal as of Monday evening.
Paul Beal Sr. pictured in a photographs by Jim Hooper, digital inkjet print, circa 2013. Collection of the Cape Ann Museum. Gift of the photographer, 2014:Jim Hooper/Cape Ann Museum
"Gone too soon were a husband, grandfather, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and great friends to many in the community," Beal Sr.'s nephew, Dean DeCoste wrote on the campaign page.
The Beal family was well-known in the New England fishing community, local fishing association officials said during a Monday press conference.
A GoFundMe campaign collecting money on behalf of the family of crew member John Paul Rousanidis had raised over $5,000 of its $9,000 goal as of Monday evening.
After spending his early years on the North Shore, Rousanidis spent the latter part of his childhood in Greece before returning to Massachusetts "to chase his dreams," his sister, Keri Rousanidis wrote on the campaign page.
Lily Jean crew members Sean Therrien and John Paul Rousanidis.Rebecca Carp
"He was very passionate about the sea," she wrote. "He was an amazing brother, son, and uncle — a hard worker who never said no to anyone he met. His kindness, determination, and generosity inspired everyone around him."
Rousanidis leaves behind his mother, three sisters, two brothers and many other cherished relatives and friends, according to his sister.
A GoFundMe campaign collecting money for the family of crew member and Peabody resident Sean Therrien had raised over $22,000 of its $26,000 goal as of Monday evening.
Sean Therrien, 45, was a crew member of the Lily Jean, a fishing boat that sank of the coast of Gloucester on Jan. 30, 2026. He is pictured here with his partner of 22 years, Rebecca Carp.Courtesy Photo from Rebecca Carp
Therrien was a Lynn native who graduated from Lynn Technical High School, according to the GoFundMe campaign. He leaves behind his partner of 22 years, Rebecca Carp, his sons, 23-year-old Justin and 17-year-old Tyler, as well as his father, brother, two sisters and many other beloved family members and friends.
"He was a hardworking family man whose life revolved around the people he loved most," the campaign page reads. " ... Those who knew Sean will remember his great sense of humor, his generous heart, and the pride he took in providing for his family."
Remembering the Lily Jean's other crew members
The Lily Jean's captain, Gus Sanfilippo, was "a skilled and respected fisherman," The Gloucester International Dory Racing Committee said in a Sunday Facebook post . The Gloucester native named his boat after his daughter, Lily Jean.
"Gus was far more than a member of this committee — he was a friend, teammate, teacher, handyman, and someone who could always be counted on," the committee wrote.
Gus Sanfilippo was the captain of the Lily Jean, a fishing vessel that sank off the coast of Gloucester on Friday.Gloucester International Dory Racing Committee
Sanfilippo came from a family of fishermen, local fishing association officials said during a Monday press conference. He was also an accomplished member of the dory racing community who proudly passed on his love of the sport to his children.
"Gus leaves behind a lasting legacy within the dory racing and maritime community — one built on dedication, generosity, and an unwavering love for the sport and the people in it," the committee wrote.
In addition to his daughter, Sanfilippo leaves behind his wife, Lorie, his son, Anthony, his father and many other cherished relatives and friends, according to the committee.
The family of Jada Samitt described her as a "vibrant and compassionate" Virginia native who "loved these waters" in a statement Sunday afternoon.
Virginia native Jada Samitt, 22, was a federal fisheries observer and crew member of the Lilly Jean, a fishing boat the sunk off the coast of Gloucester on Jan. 30, 2026.Courtesy Photo
"Jada was on the Lily Jean that day because of her strong belief in her work, not only as an observer, but as someone who knew her important role as a crew member," the statement reads.
"She proved herself to be so on every trip, and conveyed to us how critical it was to protect the seas and fisheries. We could not be more proud of and grateful to her for it."
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