August 6, 2026 — In a letter to Gov. Maura Healey, the US Navy said it will not be able to help with the recovery of data and remains from the wreckage of the Gloucester-based fishing vessel Lily Jean, which sank off the coast of Cape Ann in January, with seven people aboard.
“We are deeply sympathetic toward the families affected by this tragedy,” read the letter dated July 27, which was received by the governor Wednesday. “However, the U.S. Navy is unable to fulfill your request for salvage and recovery.”
The response comes months after Gov. Healey wrote to the US Navy asking for assistance in investigating.
According to the Boston Globe, Healey wrote to the Navy in May that the boat had a hard drive and video recorder that the manufacturer believes might have information if recovered.
The US Navy, in its letter from Acting United States Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, said that it remains in contact with the U.S. Coast Guard, which is leading the investigation into the sinking, alongside the National Transportation Safety Board.
The letter said, “It is our understanding both the USCG and the NTSB have the requisite information to conclude the investigation.” It is unclear if the two organizations found any evidence of what caused the sinking.