Saving Seafood

MASSACHUSETTS: Two Local Banks Step Up to Manage Lily Jean Charitable Fund

March 2, 2026 — A fund has been established to support the families of seven crew members who died when the fishing vessel Lily Jean sank Jan. 30 about 22 miles off Cape Ann.

The Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund announced the creation of the Lily Jean Fund in the days following the sinking.  According to organizers, 100% of donations will be distributed in equal amounts to the seven affected families.

Local financial institutions Cape Ann Savings Bank and BankGloucester are assisting with collection and processing of contributions.

An anonymous donor has pledged to match the first $40,000 raised, dollar for dollar. Donations of any size will qualify toward the match until the threshold is reached.

Read the full article at The Cricket

MASSACHUSETTS: Gloucester nonprofit launches support fund for Lily Jean crew member families

February 5, 2026 — The Gloucester community launched a fund to help provide for the families of seven crew members who died last week when their fishing vessel sank.

The Lily Jean Fund, named after the vessel, was started after an outpouring of support from Gloucester residents. The crew members are presumed to have perished after their ship sank Jan. 30 approximately 22 miles from Cape Ann.

“In the wake of this tragedy, there have been overwhelming expressions of support for the families of those who were lost, along with requests for a clear and trusted way to provide direct financial assistance,” the fund’s website reads. “The Lily Jean Fund has been created for this purpose.”

Read the full article at Boston.com

Fund created to support families of 7 crew members killed in Lily Jean sinking

February 4, 2026 — Gloucester, Massachusetts, is deeply mourning the 7 crew members of the Lily Jean, who were killed after the fishing vessel sank off the coast of Massachusetts.

The community is also creating a safety net to support the families left behind.

“Fishing is the most dangerous occupation in the country, and our New England waters are the deadliest,” said President and CEO of Fishing Partnership Support Solutions, J.J. Bartlett.

A new fund has been created specifically for and will be split equally between the families of Captain “Gus” Sanfilipo, Paul Beal, Sr. and his son Paul Beal Jr., John Paul Rousanidis, Freeman Short, Sean Therrien and federal fisheries observer Jada Samitt.

Read the full article at WCVB