February 9, 2026 —
Rick Beal has always been drawn to the sea, but the Captain of the Santo Pio is now faced with a feeling he’s never had in his 74 years.
“I’m pretty doggone shook up,” Rick said. “This is the first time in my life I have ever really thought about quitting.”
Rick’s brother Paul Beal Sr and Paul’s son Paul Beal Jr, who was known as P.J., were two of the seven people lost at sea when the Lily Jean went down as it was steaming home with a load of fish. The ship sank just 22 miles from home.
“You don’t ever think that you’re not going to see him again,” Rick said.
He spoke with us along side his daughter, Angela Scarpa, who grew emotional as she spoke about her family.
“My uncle had this laugh,” Angela said. “It was so infectious. He had a great smile. PJ was a lot like his dad.”
She added, “They were both doing what they love.”
“The adventure, the fishing, it is a way of life,” Rick said.