Fishing Vessel Lily Jean Missing Off Cape Ann as Coast Guard Finds Debris, Empty Life Raft, and One Body
Cape Ann, Massachusetts — The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting an active search and rescue operation off the coast of Cape Ann after the 72-foot fishing vessel Lily Jean was reported missing approximately 25 nautical miles offshore near Gloucester early Friday morning.
The search began after an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) from the vessel was activated around 6:50 a.m. Friday, triggering an immediate response from Coast Guard units across the region. Authorities say contact with the vessel has not been established, and the number of people on board remains unknown.
Emergency Beacon Triggers Large-Scale Search
According to Coast Guard officials, the EPIRB alert from the Lily Jean prompted a rapid deployment of air and sea assets into the search area. Crews from Air Station Cape Cod, Station Gloucester, and the Coast Guard Cutter Thunder Bay were dispatched to assist.
Search operations have included MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters, small boat crews, and a diverted cutter working together to cover a wide offshore area in challenging conditions.
Disturbing Findings Discovered During Search
As the search progressed, Coast Guard crews located a debris field believed to be associated with the missing vessel. In addition, responders found an unoccupied life raft, raising serious concerns about the fate of those on board.
Officials also confirmed that one unresponsive body has been recovered from the search area. No further details about the individual have been released at this time, and identification efforts are ongoing.
Vessel Details and Unanswered Questions
The fishing vessel Lily Jean is reported to be 72 feet long, but officials have not yet confirmed how many people were aboard when it went missing. Attempts to contact the vessel have been unsuccessful, and no distress communication beyond the EPIRB activation has been received.
The Coast Guard continues working to determine what may have caused the emergency and how long the vessel may have been in distress before the beacon activated.
Search Efforts Continue Off Massachusetts Coast
Search efforts remain ongoing Friday as crews continue scanning the waters off Cape Ann for additional survivors or clues. Officials say the operation will continue as long as conditions allow and new information becomes available.
The Coast Guard is urging mariners in the area to remain alert and report any sightings of debris or persons in the water to authorities immediately.
As the situation develops, NapervilleLocal.com will continue monitoring this breaking maritime emergency, providing updates as more information is released by the U.S. Coast Guard.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.