There is frustration and dissent among the families of the seven people who died onboard the Lily Jean fishing vessel that sank in icy waters off Gloucester last January.
Among the victims on the 72-foot fishing boat was the captain, a fifth-generation fisherman, a young federal fisheries observer and a father-and-son crew team.
This week, the U.S. Navy Secretary sent a letter to Gov. Maura Healey and denied her request to assist in recovering data and remains from the wreckage of the Lily Jean. Healey had asked the Navy for its expertise and resources to retrieve video equipment and any other device that could help investigators understand why the boat sank 25 miles east of Gloucester.
The letter said, “We are deeply sympathetic toward the families affected by this tragedy. However, the U.S. Navy is unable to fulfill your request for salvage and recovery.”
State Sen. Bruce Tarr, who represents Gloucester and is closely involved with the 400-year history of fishing in Gloucester, said the Navy’s decision is frustrating because he believes that reconnaissance on the vessel could help save future lives. The vessel is currently about 325 feet deep, Tarr said, which could make any operation difficult and challenging.
“It’s extremely disappointing that the Navy has denied the request that I made with Governor Healey because they’re uniquely situated and equipped to be able to provide the kind of assistance that we need,” Tarr said.
Tarr added that several families would like to have the remains of their loved ones recovered, even though it’s unclear whether or not that is possible.
“What is clear is that if there was any public agency that could achieve that, it would be the Navy,” he said.
There is at least one family of the crew that would like the remains to be untouched, said Tarr.
“It is fair to say that some of the families feel very strongly that this is the final resting place of their loved ones, and it is essentially a gravesite, and it should not be disturbed from that perspective,” Tarr said. “Others feel like they would have the benefit of additional closure if the remains of their loved ones were brought back for a proper burial. So there is clearly a difference of opinion among the surviving families.”
Healey said through a spokesperson that her administration is “reviewing correspondence from the Navy and remain hopeful for federal assistance. We are also continuing to move forward with state efforts to investigate crucial equipment on board and bring closure to the families of the lost crew members.”
While the tragedy is mourned by all the families, Saturday, Aug. 8 at 5 p.m. marks the annual Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial service, honoring mariners lost at sea, including the crew of the fishing vessel Lily Jean.
Afterward, they’ll be a rededication of the Fisherman’s Wives Memorial on the harbor, honoring 25 years since the statue was first dedicated to the resilience, faith and fortitude of fishing families.
