GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Loved ones of the Lily Jean crew members are expected to gather at Gloucester’s Fishermen’s Memorial Service today.
The memorial is a community tradition to remember and honor all who lost their lives in Gloucester’s fishing industry.
The Lily Jean sank off the coast of Gloucester in January, claiming the lives of all seven people on board. Captain Gus Sanfilippo was the only victim whose body was recovered.
The development comes after the U.S. Navy declined a request to help salvage the vessel and recover the remains of the six crew members still believed to be inside.
Some families support the Navy’s decision, saying their loved ones should remain at sea. Others say recovering the vessel is the only way to determine what caused the tragedy.
Family members shared never-before-seen images and 3D renderings of the Lily Jean with Boston 25 News. They said the images were obtained by the Coast Guard and show the vessel resting more than 300 feet below the surface.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Coast Guard continue to investigate the sinking.
While some family members are pushing for the vessel to be raised, others have told Boston 25 they do not want the wreck or the crew disturbed.
The NTSB referred questions about the investigation and the images to the Coast Guard. Boston 25 News has reached out to the Coast Guard and has not yet received a response.
The memorial is expected to begin at 5 p.m. starting with a procession at American Legion down Middle Street onto Stacy Boulevard.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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