6 names released of crew aboard fishing boat that perished off the coast of Massachusetts

BOSTON — The names of the deceased have begun to be revealed after the U.S. Coast Guard suspended the search Saturday morning for the missing crewmembers from the fishing vessel Lily Jean after search efforts yielded no additional results. 

Coast Guard crews have searched continuously since receiving an emergency position-indicating radio beacon activation Friday morning from the 72-foot fishing vessel, approximately 25 miles off the coast of Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Seven people were reported to be aboard the vessel. 

During the search, Coast Guard air and surface crews located a debris field near the beacon’s reported position, recovered one unresponsive individual from the water, and located the vessel’s life raft, which was deployed but unoccupied.  

Coast Guard crews conducted coordinated search patterns based on weather conditions, sea state and available evidence and covered approximately 1,047 square miles over 24 hours using multiple aircraft, cutters and small boats. 

After consultation between search and rescue mission coordinators and on-scene commanders, the Coast Guard determined that all reasonable search efforts for the missing crewmembers had been exhausted.  

“The decision to suspend the search was incredibly difficult. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family members and friends of the lost crew of the Lilly Jean, and with the entire Gloucester community during this heartbreaking time,” said Capt. Jamie Frederick, commander of Coast Guard Sector Boston.  

According to family and a GoFundMe fundraiser, John Paul Rousanidis (March 26, 1992 – January 30, 2026) “was born in Salem, Massachusetts, and raised in Peabody until he was eight years old. He spent the rest of his childhood and young adult years growing up in Greece, before returning to Massachusetts to be with his beloved family and friends and to chase his dreams. John loved fishing, boxing, and enjoying life to the fullest. He was an amazing brother, son, and uncle—a hard worker who never said no to anyone he met. His kindness, determination, and generosity inspired everyone around him.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser and family have announced that 44-year-old Sean Therrien “was a devoted partner, father, son, brother, and friend taken far too soon. Sean grew up in Lynn, graduated from Lynn Technical High School, and later made his home in Peabody. He was a hardworking family man whose life revolved around the people he loved most. Those who knew Sean will remember his great sense of humor, his generous heart, and the pride he took in providing for his family. When he wasn’t working, he loved riding dirt bikes, four-wheeling, building and racing RC cars, and spending time with his kids—always finding ways to make people laugh and feel welcome.”

Loved ones and a GoFundMe fundraiser have revealed that Freeman Short, from Marshfield/ Scituate, and his family never hesitated to provide a place to land, a meal, guidance, or simply love.

According to former State Rep candidate Ashley Sullivan, the boat was captained by Gus Sanfillipo, and manned by his deckhands Paul Beal Jr and Paul Beal Sr.

The cause of the incident is under investigation by the Coast Guard Northeast District.