Local News
One Body Recovered After FV Lily Jean Sinks Off Gloucester Coast, Seven People Aboard
GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Authorities are continuing search and rescue efforts after a commercial fishing vessel sank off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts, with seven people believed to be on board.
The United States Coast Guard confirmed that one body has been recovered from the water as crews search for the remaining missing crew members.
The incident involves the Lily Jean, a fishing vessel reported to be between 72 and 80 feet in length, which went down Friday morning off Cape Ann.
According to a Coast Guard spokesperson, watchstanders received an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) alert from the Lily Jean at approximately 6:50 a.m.
Initially, authorities reported that six people were on board; however, state officials later confirmed that the vessel was carrying seven individuals at the time of the incident.
After attempts to contact the vessel were unsuccessful, the Coast Guard immediately launched a large-scale search operation, deploying an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a small boat crew to the area of the distress signal.
Crews subsequently located a debris field approximately 25 miles off the coast of Cape Ann, near the location where the EPIRB signal was activated.
During the search, responders recovered an unoccupied life raft and located one deceased individual in the water.
The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
The remaining six crew members are still unaccounted for.
Officials said the Lily Jean had reported that it was taking on water before losing contact.
The vessel is now presumed to have sunk.
Search efforts remain active, with the Coast Guard utilizing multiple air and sea assets as weather and sea conditions permit.
The tragedy has deeply affected Gloucester’s close-knit fishing community.
Ashley Sullivan, a local business owner who knows the vessel’s owner, expressed her grief, emphasizing the risks fishermen face daily. “I hope everyone takes a step back and really looks at the sacrifices these men make day in and day out just to put food on our table,” she said. “It’s very emotional and very heartbreaking.”
Massachusetts State Senator Bruce Tarr also offered condolences, noting the city’s long maritime history. “Gloucester has a long fishing history, and that fishing history includes tragic loss,” Tarr said. “It appears we are suffering another one of those losses right now.”
Governor Maura Healey released a statement expressing her sympathy and support, saying she was “heartbroken over the devastating news out of Gloucester about the sinking of the Lily Jean.” She added that her administration has offered full assistance to local officials and the Coast Guard and extended prayers to the crew’s families and the broader fishing community across Cape Ann and the state.
Community members and local businesses have also shared messages of support and prayer.
The Lily Jean was captained by local fisherman Gus Sanfilippo and reportedly crewed by deckhands Paul Beal Sr. and Paul Beal Jr., a father-and-son team.
Authorities and community sources said a younger crew member from Lynn and a federal fisheries observer were also on board.
There may have been an additional crew member, though that has not yet been confirmed by officials.
The Lily Jean was previously featured on the History Channel series Nor’Easter Men, highlighting the vessel’s role in New England’s commercial fishing industry.
As search operations continue, officials have urged the public to keep the missing crew members and their families in their thoughts and prayers.
The Coast Guard has stated that further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
Local News
Tater Johnson killed after bus carrying Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team rolled over in Calhoun County
CALHOUN COUNTY, Iowa — One person has died and multiple others were injured following a rollover bus crash on Highway 4 in Calhoun County, Iowa, according to the Iowa State Patrol. Officials later identified the victim as 19-year-old Tater Johnson of Rapid City, South Dakota.
The accident occurred at approximately 11:06 a.m., when the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls reporting that a bus operated by Iowa Lakes Community College had crashed.
A state trooper arrived at the scene within minutes, the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency said in a release.
Preliminary findings indicate the bus left the roadway and overturned into a ditch. Authorities confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
A total of 33 individuals were on board at the time of the crash, and officials confirmed that all occupants were accounted for.
Given the number of victims, emergency responders declared a Mass Casualty Incident, prompting a large-scale response from local fire departments, emergency medical services, and law enforcement agencies.
Thirty-two passengers were triaged at the scene and transported to several area hospitals. Injuries were reported to range from minor to serious, and multiple medical helicopters were requested to assist with the rapid transport of critically injured patients.
Officials also clarified that six occupants traveling in a separate Iowa Lakes van were not involved in the crash.
Iowa Lakes Community College confirmed that members of its baseball team were aboard the bus at the time of the accident. The team was traveling to Arkansas for a scheduled game against the North Arkansas Pioneers.
In a statement, the college said it would not immediately release additional names or details but emphasized that institutional leaders are working closely with local authorities to gather more information.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority,” the college said. “The College is actively supporting those affected and communicating directly with families.”
Iowa Highway 4 was closed in both directions following the crash, which occurred just north of the Twin Lakes area, as emergency crews worked to treat victims and secure the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.
U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, who represents Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, expressed concern following the incident.
“I am deeply concerned about this accident and grateful to our local law enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, first responders, and medical professionals who have been quickly responding at the scene,” Feenstra said.
The North Arkansas Pioneers also released a statement on social media offering support to those impacted.
“We ask our entire community to please lift up everyone involved, their families, and the entire Iowa Lakes community in prayer during this difficult time.”
Authorities are expected to release additional updates as the investigation progresses.