The fishing world is reeling after all seven people aboard a Massachusetts vessel captained by a former TV star were confirmed dead following a mysterious early-morning sinking offshore.
Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo, who once appeared on the History Channel’s Nor’Easter Men, was at the helm of the 72-foot Lily Jean when the boat went down just before 7 a.m. on Friday. The Coast Guard, unable to reach the crew by radio, was alerted only when the boat’s emergency beacon activated — meaning no Mayday call was ever made.
Officials have now identified everyone lost in the disaster: crew members Paul Beal Sr., his son Paul Beal Jr., John Rousanidis, 33, Freeman Short, and Sean Therrien, 44, along with 22-year-old NOAA fisheries observer Jada Samitt.
Families of the victims poured out their grief online, painting a devastating portrait of the seven lives taken far too soon.
Therrien’s wife, Becky Carp, wrote that she would be “so lost without him,” adding, “Please hug your loved ones so much tighter for me tonight. I will never get to hug him again.” A GoFundMe described the father of two as a hardworking family man with a big heart and a talent for making people laugh.
Rousanidis’ sister said the sea was his greatest love: “You always said, ‘The sea brings me peace.’ I hope you find that peace now.” His family remembered him as a dreamer, a giver, and someone who never hesitated to help others.
Short’s aunt called him “more than just family,” saying he was a soldier, a devoted son, and someone grounded in faith.
Samitt’s family issued a gut-wrenching statement remembering the young NOAA observer as brave, passionate, and deeply committed to protecting the waters she worked on. “Today we are lost without her,” they said.
For the Beal family, the loss of both father and son has been unbearable. Daughter and sister Jackie Beal described her grief as an “actual living nightmare,” writing, “My baby brother and my father are gone… They were right where they loved to be, doing what they did best.”
The Coast Guard searched more than 1,000 square miles in brutal freezing temperatures, locating one body and an empty life raft before suspending operations on Saturday. Officials said the decision was “incredibly difficult,” noting that survival would have been impossible in the frigid 39-degree water.
What caused the Lily Jean to sink remains a complete mystery. No distress call, no warning, and, according to investigators, “no single clue” so far.
Gloucester residents say the loss hits especially hard. Sanfilippo, known locally as a skilled and seasoned fisherman, grew up in the community’s proud fishing tradition. “It’s a huge tragedy for this community,” said Gloucester Council President Tony Gross.
A federal marine casualty investigation is underway, but for now, seven families — and an entire coastal town — are left searching for answers.
But what about the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the Professor and Mary Ann?
That’s nowhere near being funny
Prayers for the families.🙏😢