BOSTON — Rear Adm. Michael Platt, commander of the Northeast District, has launched a district-level formal investigation concerning the sinking of the commercial fishing vessel LILY JEAN (O.N. 580932) and subsequent loss of seven lives on Jan. 30, 2026.
The search was suspended on Jan. 31 after all reasonable search efforts for the missing crewmembers had been exhausted.
At 6:50 a.m., on Jan. 30, the Coast Guard responded to an emergency position-indicating radio beacon activation from a fishing vessel 25 miles off the coast of Cape Ann. There were seven people onboard the LILY JEAN.
The seven crew members have been identified as follows:
A district-level formal investigation consists of a Coast Guard investigating officer who will receive evidence and testimony using formal rules and procedures regarding a recent marine accident. This type of investigation is launched for incidents of significant regional importance or those that may reveal broader issues with a class of vessel or areas of technical concern.
Lt. Cmdr. Brett Igo, Coast Guard Northeast District investigation oversight coordinator, will serve as the lead investigating officer. He will be assisted by:
The Coast Guard will also be joined by National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in investigating the casualty.
Based on its findings, the investigation will determine if the accident requires further review by a Marine Board of Investigation.
The purpose of a Coast Guard investigation is to identify measures that can improve the safety of life and property at sea, not to assign civil or criminal blame. The investigation is expected to take several months to complete.
Additional details will be made public as the investigation continues.
For additional questions, please contact uscgnortheast@uscg.mil.