Seven Lost at Sea: A Tragic Reminder of the Cost of Neglected Maritime Safety in America’s Oldest Seaport

In the icy waters off Gloucester, Massachusetts—America’s oldest seaport—a fishing community steeped in history has been struck by yet another devastating loss. The recent sinking of the commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean claimed seven lives, including that of Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo, a respected fifth-generation fisherman, and Jada Samitt, a young federal fisheries observer on her first deployment at sea. This tragedy is not isolated; it is emblematic of the perilous reality faced daily by hardworking Americans who brave treacherous Atlantic conditions to sustain their communities and nation. Gloucester’s story echoes centuries of sacrifice—one that demands more than hollow condolences from...