February 4, 2026 — The following was released by Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr:
Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) joined state, local, and community leaders today to announce verified and secure ways for the public to support the families and fishing community affected by the tragic loss of the Gloucester fishing vessel F/V Lily Jean.
On Friday, January 30, 2026, the Lily Jean sank approximately 22 miles off Cape Ann, resulting in the tragic loss of seven crew members. In the wake of this tragedy, there have been overwhelming expressions of support for the families of those who have been lost, and requests for a means for donors to provide direct financial assistance to those families.
“In the wake of this tragedy, there has been an extraordinary outpouring of compassion,” Tarr said. “People want to help, and it is critically important that they have clear, trusted, and transparent ways to do so—both to support the families directly and to ensure that essential services are available to the community.”
F/V Lily Jean Fund Established to Support Families
The F/V Lily Jean Fund has been established to provide direct financial assistance to the families of the seven crew members who perished. The fund accepts tax-deductible contributions, and 100 percent of all donations will be distributed in equal amounts directly to the families.
The fund is a project of the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund (GFCPF) and is hosted by Cape Ann Savings Bank. This effort reflects a long-standing tradition within the Gloucester fishing community of standing together in times of profound loss.
GFCPF, also known locally as the Gloucester Permit Bank, was formed in 2007 to support fishermen, protect the working waterfront, and preserve Gloucester’s fishing heritage as the nation’s oldest seaport. Through its stewardship of fishing permits and quota, GFCPF has helped sustain a diverse, locally based fishing fleet and contributed more than $100 million to the local working waterfront economy.
Immediate and Ongoing Support Through Fishing Partnership Support Services
Tarr also expressed deep gratitude to Fishing Partnership Support Services (FPSS) for its immediate response following the loss of the F/V Lily Jean and its continued commitment to supporting families and community members affected by this tragedy.
FPSS, created by and for the fishing community, is providing critical assistance to the families, including trauma and grief counseling, emergency financial assistance for food and housing, access to health care, and long-term recovery services.
“Fishing Partnership Support Services has been there from the very beginning, offering compassionate, practical support when it is needed most,” Tarr said. “Their work is essential to helping fishing families navigate both the immediate aftermath of loss and the long road ahead.”
Those wishing to support essential services provided by FPSS may donate at: https://fishingpartnership.org/donate
A Shared Loss Across Fishing Communities
While Gloucester mourns, Tarr noted that fishing communities across the region have also experienced loss. Martha’s Vineyard and Stonington, Connecticut lost fishermen this January, and communities in Maine endured devastating tragedies last year.
“These losses remind us of the risks fishermen face every time they leave port and of our responsibility to support the men and women who provide for our families, our economy, and our country,” Tarr said.
How to Help — Verified and Secure Ways to Donate
F/V Lily Jean Fund
- Donate online: https://fvlilyjeanfund.org
- Donate by check:
- Payable to: Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund (GFCPF)
Memo line: Lily Jean Fund
- Payable to: Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund (GFCPF)
Mail to: Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund | c/o Cape Ann Savings Bank
109 Main Street, Gloucester, MA 01930
Fishing Partnership Support Services
- Donate online: https://fishingpartnership.org/donate