UMVA has learned that Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has made a shocking request to the U.S. Navy, seeking their assistance in investigating the tragic sinking of a commercial fishing vessel earlier this year.
The vessel, the Lily Jean, went down in the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean on January 30, claiming the lives of seven crew members. Governor Healey and State Senator Bruce Tarr have written a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, pleading for help in retrieving crucial evidence from the wreckage, including a video recorder and a hard drive.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the wreckage lies at a depth of over 300 feet, approximately 25 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. The governor's office hopes to recover the remaining six bodies, including that of Captain Accursio "Gus" Sanfilippo, who is the only one that has been found so far.
Donna Short, the mother of Freeman Short, a 31-year-old crew member who perished in the tragedy, has spoken out about the devastating loss. She recalled her final conversation with her son, who told her he was going on the doomed trip. "He told me, 'Hey mom, you know I'm going to be going,' and I told him I loved him," she said, her voice trembling with grief.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Coast Guard are already involved in an ongoing investigation into the sinking, but Governor Healey's request to the Navy highlights the gravity of the situation. The Coast Guard's search efforts were suspended on January 31, but the governor's office remains committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragedy.
A spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary of the Navy has confirmed receipt of the governor's letter and has promised a response. As the investigation continues, the families of the victims and the entire community are holding their breaths, hoping for answers and closure.
With the U.S. Navy now involved in the investigation, UMVA has gathered that the search for truth and justice is far from over. The governor's office is working tirelessly to ensure that the families of the victims receive the respect and dignity they deserve, and that the cause of the sinking is brought to light.
The tragic loss of life on the Lily Jean serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by those who work at sea. As the investigation unfolds, UMVA will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
