SCITUATE, Mass. — Despite the Navy declining the state’s request, families of the victims tell Boston 25 they’re still hopeful for the recovery of the Lily Jean.
The fishing vessel that sank in late January off the coast of Gloucester claimed the lives of seven crew members on board.
Donna Short, the mother of crew member Freeman Short, said she’s been one of the leaders pushing recovery efforts despite the Navy’s denial.
“Sleep is elusive right now,” she told Boston 25 Tuesday. “I always have hope as long as I’m breathing.”
She claimed some families of the victims met with Massachusetts State Police diving units to discuss recovery efforts. Short told Boston 25 multiple agencies have assured them that that they’re diligently investigating the wreckage, and she believes recovery is still on the table.
“Without going down to the boat, it will always be an assumption and a probability. But, they could find tangible evidence. The evidence is on the boat. The evidence is the boat,” she said.
In the letter obtained by Boston 25, the Navy claimed they could pursue recovery efforts if the NTSB or Coast Guard initiated a request. They say neither agencies have done so.
However, Short claims families have been assured the investigation is active and ongoing.
“The Navy said they need to be asked by the Coast Guard,” she said. “At the appropriate time, I believe they will be talking to the Navy.”
Last week, Boston 25 obtained videos of the wreckage on the ocean floor from family members and loved ones involved in the investigation.
[ New photos may hold clues to the sinking of the Lily Jean fishing vessel ]
Over the weekend, the families gathered around the Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial to honor the seven lives lost this winter.
Short was one of many loved ones there amidst her fight for answers.
“We can’t have future prevention without the reason,” she said. “My son’s gone and he’s missed terribly.”
She finished, “My son was an amazing man, and if I can prevent another amazing man to suffer the same fate, my son would want that. My son would want me to know, ‘Mom, I left and here is why.’”
Boston 25 reached out to the Coast Guard asking about the status of the investigation and the possibility of a request for recovery efforts by the Navy or any other assisting agency. A representative said Tuesday they are working on providing more information.
Boston 25 also reached out to Massachusetts State Police about potential recovery efforts and are waiting to hear back.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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