GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Family members of those lost aboard the Lily Jean are reacting after the U.S. Navy declined a request to recover the vessel and the remains of six crew members believed to still be on board.
Boston 25 obtained a letter from the Navy in which officials expressed sympathy for the families affected by the tragedy but said the Navy is unable to fulfill the request for a salvage operation.
In the letter, the Navy stated that the U.S. Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board already have the information needed to complete their investigation into the sinking.
Back in January, the Lily Jean sank in icy waters off Gloucester, claiming the lives of seven fishermen. The body of Captain Gus Sanfilippo was the only one recovered.
Now, some family members say they are disappointed by the Navy’s decision.
The sister of crew member John Rousanidis told Boston 25 she believes raising the vessel is the only way to determine exactly what caused it to sink and provide answers to the families.
State Sen. Bruce Tarr also criticized the decision, calling it “disappointing.”
“We will continue to pursue all available avenues to obtain any possible information that can shed light on the cause of the sinking,” Tarr said in a statement.
Not all family members share that view.
A relative of Paul Beal Sr. and his son, P.J. Beal, told Boston 25 that their family supports the Navy’s decision and believes their loved ones should remain at sea.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Coast Guard both list the investigation into the sinking as ongoing.
The update comes ahead of Gloucester’s annual Fishermen’s Memorial Service, which is scheduled for Saturday. Family members of the Lily Jean victims are expected to attend.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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