Massachusetts: A commercial fishing vessel believed to have sunk off the Massachusetts coast was carrying seven people, authorities said Friday, as the U.S. Coast Guard continued an around-the-clock search for possible survivors.

The 72-foot fishing boat Lily Jean sent out an emergency alert early Friday while operating about 25 miles off Cape Ann. The Coast Guard launched an immediate search-and-rescue operation but later found a debris field near the alert location along with a body in the water.

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“We will continue to search throughout the night with the cutter, hoping to find additional folks as we continue," Coast Guard spokesperson Timothy Jones said. He added that the crew had been “coming back full of fish” and may have encountered trouble with their fishing gear that forced them to head back toward shore.

An empty life raft was also located during the search. The Coast Guard said it had unsuccessfully attempted to contact the vessel before beginning rescue efforts involving a helicopter crew, a small boat and the Coast Guard Cutter Thunder Bay.

Republican state Sen. Bruce Tarr confirmed that seven people were aboard the vessel. Visibly emotional, Tarr said the boat’s captain, Gus Sanfilippo, was a close friend.

“He’s a person that has a big smile, and he gives you a warm embrace when he sees you,” Tarr said. “He is very, very skilled at what he does.”

Tarr said the loss of the vessel was difficult to comprehend but predicted the tight-knit fishing community would rally together.

“I’m going to make a prediction. Tonight, tomorrow and the days that follow, you’re going to see strength," he said. “The strength that has made this the most historic fishing port in the United States of America."

Sanfilippo and the Lily Jean were featured in a 2012 episode of the History Channel series “Nor’Easter Men.” The show described Sanfilippo as a fifth-generation commercial fisherman based in Gloucester, working the Georges Bank for haddock, lobster and flounder, often in harsh conditions during trips lasting up to 10 days.

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Vito Giacalone, head of the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund, said he had known Sanfilippo since his early days in the industry and described him as a dedicated fisherman from a long-standing fishing family.

“He did well for himself. I was proud of him,” Giacalone said. “And now the dock we own, he ties his boat at the dock, so we see him every day. He’s been to all my kids' weddings. That’s how close we were. I feel a sense of loss. A lot of us do.”

Giacalone noted that commercial fishing, especially in winter, remains one of the most dangerous professions due to cold temperatures, rough seas and unpredictable weather.

“Commercial fishing is a really tough living to begin with, and it's as safe as the elements, and all of the things allow it to be,” he said. “Gus was a very seasoned, experienced fisherman.”

Everett Sawyer, a childhood friend of Sanfilippo, said he was still grappling with the news of the disappearance.

“He was hardworking. He loved fishing,” Sawyer said.

After more than five decades near the Atlantic Ocean, Sawyer said he had known 25 people lost at sea and warned that conditions can deteriorate rapidly even for experienced crews.

“Things happen very quickly when you’re out on the ocean,” he said.

Steve Ouellette, an attorney who works closely with Gloucester fishermen, echoed that sentiment.

“Doesn’t matter how many times you’ve seen it, you’re never ready for it when a boat with a crew goes down,” Ouellette said.

At the time the distress signal was sent, the National Weather Service reported winds of about 27 mph, waves around four feet, air temperatures near 12 degrees Fahrenheit and water temperatures close to 39 degrees.

Gloucester City Council President Tony Gross, a retired fisherman, described the incident as devastating for the community.

“The families are just devastated at this point,” Gross said. “They are half full of hope and half full of dread, I would imagine.”

Gross added that while conditions were considered “fishable,” ice buildup could have quickly destabilised the vessel.

“That is what people are thinking right now, that there was ice buildup and that made the boat unstable,” he said.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said she was “heartbroken” by the incident.

“I am praying for the crew, and my heart goes out to their loved ones and all Gloucester fishing families during this awful time,” she said. “Fishermen and fishing vessels are core to the history, economy and culture of Gloucester and Cape Ann, and this tragedy is felt all across the state.”

Gloucester, often described as America’s oldest working seaport, has endured multiple maritime tragedies over the decades, including the disappearance of the FV Andrea Gail in 1991 and the sinking of the Emmy Rose in 2020.

The Coast Guard said search efforts would continue as weather and conditions allow.