BOSTON, MA – The U.S. Coast Guard is continuing a large-scale search and rescue operation off the New England coast after an emergency beacon from a fishing vessel activated early Friday morning, leading to the discovery of debris and one deceased individual.
Officials said watchstanders at the Coast Guard’s Northeast District command center received an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) signal at approximately 6:50 a.m. from the Lily Jean, a 72-foot commercial fishing vessel operating about 25 miles off Cape Ann. Attempts to contact the crew went unanswered.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod, a small boat from Station Gloucester, and the Coast Guard Cutter Thunder Bay were deployed to the area shortly after the alert was received. Rescue crews later discovered debris believed to be from the Lily Jean and an unoccupied life raft near the beacon’s location.
One unresponsive person was recovered from the water, but the total number of individuals aboard the vessel remains unconfirmed. The Coast Guard said it continues to search by air and sea, coordinating assets across multiple stations along the Massachusetts coastline.
- EPIRB alert received early Friday from the fishing vessel Lily Jean off Cape Ann.
- Coast Guard located debris and recovered one unresponsive body from the water.
- Search operations continue for additional crew members.
Weather conditions in the search area were reported as calm but cold, with limited visibility early in the morning. Coast Guard officials said they are committed to continuing the search until all possible efforts are exhausted and are urging mariners in the region to report any additional sightings or debris.
