Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Northeast District, Rear Adm. Michael Platt, authorized the inquiry after the 72-foot commercial fishing vessel’s entire crew was lost in the incident. Emergency responders were alerted when the vessel’s emergency beacon (EPIRB) activated around 6:50 a.m. that morning.
Multiple U.S. Coast Guard units responded to the distress call, including an Air Station Cape Cod helicopter crew, a Gloucester small boat team, and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter THUNDER BAY. Rescuers discovered a debris field at the beacon’s location and retrieved one deceased individual from the water. The vessel’s life raft was found deployed but empty.
Search efforts spanned roughly 1,047 square miles over 24 hours before operations were called off on January 31st, 2026. U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston Commander Capt. Jamie Frederick acknowledged the difficulty of ending the search, expressing sympathy for the victims’ families and the Gloucester maritime community.
The deceased crew included Captain Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo, crew members Paul Beal Sr., Paul Beal Jr., John Rousanidis, Freeman Short, and Sean Therrien, along with NOAA fisheries observer Jada Samitt.
Lt. Cmdr. Brett Igo will lead the investigation as the Northeast District’s oversight coordinator, supported by a team of U.S. Coast Guard personnel. The National Transportation Safety Board will contribute to the inquiry.
This level of investigation is assigned to incidents that have considerable regional consequences or potentially reveal systemic issues impacting similar vessels or operational technologies. Based on the findings, the case may proceed to a Marine Board of Investigation for further review.
Investigators emphasized their focus on identifying safety improvements for maritime operations rather than determining civil or criminal liability. The investigation timeline is expected to span several months, with findings released as they become available.
As the investigation progresses, the maritime sector will closely monitor any recommendations that may influence future safety protocols for vessel operations. For those affected by a maritime incident, understanding your rights under the Jones Act and general maritime law remains crucial. Maritime law provides specific protections for seamen and their families following such tragedies.