Floor SpeechNeutral2026-02-04

HONORING THE CREW OF THE FISHING VESSEL LILY JEAN

Veterans

Context

On 2026-02-04, Representative Seth Moulton (D-MA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE CREW OF THE FISHING VESSEL LILY JEAN" in the House. The speech addressed veterans affairs.

Full Text

HONORING THE CREW OF THE FISHING VESSEL LILY JEAN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E108] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE CREW OF THE FISHING VESSEL LILY JEAN ______ HON. SETH MOULTON of massachusetts in the house of representatives Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and in somber recognition of the seven courageous members of the Lily Jean, who were lost at sea when the 72-foot groundfish trawler sank in the frigid waters off Gloucester, Massachusetts, last Friday. For more than 400 years, Gloucester fishermen have braved the Atlantic to feed our Nation. Fishing is not just an industry in Gloucester; it is the backbone of the community, woven into families, neighborhoods, and generations through shared sacrifice. Today, the Gloucester community and the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts mourn the loss of Captain Accursio ``Gus'' Sanfilippo, his crew, and an NOAA observer. In a town where everyone knows someone who fishes, a tragedy like this is felt in every home, on every dock, and along every wharf. Captain Sanfilippo was a fifth-generation commercial fisherman, a veteran of the sea, and a mentor to young fishermen just starting out. He took countless aspiring fishermen under his wing, sharing not just his knowledge, but his love for the water and the traditions of the trade. Deckhands Paul Beal, Sr., and Jr. also understood that fishing is not simply a job, but a calling passed down through generations. Paul,Sr. began fishing while still in high school and shared that passion with his son, working side by side on the water. We also remember crew members John Paul Rousanidis, Sean Therrien, and Freeman Short, men lauded for their hard work, commitment to family, and generosity to others. Finally, we honor Jada Sammitt, a recent college graduate serving as an NOAA federal observer, who chose public service and scientific stewardship as her calling. While the Lily Jean's dedicated crew could not be saved, we owe our deepest gratitude to the U.S. Coast Guard for their relentless efforts, searching more than 1,000 square miles using aircraft, cutters, and small boats. Their sense of duty is profound, and we know they too carry the weight of this tremendous loss. While nothing can bring Captain Gus and the crew of the Lily Jean back to their families and communities, we owe it to them, and to every fisherman who heads out before dawn, to ensure that this vital and dangerous work is respected, valued, and supported. Fishing is not just an occupation. It is a way of life, built on hard work, risk, and an enduring love for the sea. Fishermen often say they have salt in their blood. The love we have for our Gloucester fishermen runs deep in our hearts too. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the crew of the Lily Jean, and we stand with the entire Gloucester community as they grieve this loss during this heartbreaking time. ____________________

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HONORING THE CREW OF THE FISHING VESSEL LILY JEAN Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E108] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE CREW OF THE FISHING VESSEL LILY JEAN ______ HON. SETH MOULTON of massachusetts in the house of representatives Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and in somber recognition of the seven courageous members of the Lily Jean, who were lost at sea when the 72-foot groundfish trawler sank in the frigid waters off Gloucester, Massachusetts, last Friday. For more than 400 years, Gloucester fishermen have braved the Atlantic to feed our Nation. Fishing is not just an industry in Gloucester; it is the backbone of the community, woven into families, neighborhoods, and generations through shared sacrifice. Today, the Gloucester community and the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts mourn the loss of Captain Accursio ``Gus'' Sanfilippo, his crew, and an NOAA observer. In a town where everyone knows someone who fishes, a tragedy like this is felt in every home, on every dock, and along every wharf. Captain Sanfilippo was a fifth-generation commercial fisherman, a veteran of the sea, and a mentor to young fishermen just starting out. He took countless aspiring fishermen under his wing, sharing not just his knowledge, but his love for the water and the traditions of the trade. Deckhands Paul Beal, Sr., and Jr. also understood that fishing is not simply a job, but a calling passed down through generations. Paul,Sr. began fishing while still in high school and shared that passion with his son, working side by side on the water. We also remember crew members John Paul Rousanidis, Sean Therrien, and Freeman Short, men lauded for their hard work, commitment to family, and generosity to others. Finally, we honor Jada Sammitt, a recent college graduate serving as an NOAA federal observer, who chose public service and scientific stewardship as her calling. While the Lily Jean's dedicated crew could not be saved, we owe our deepest gratitude to the U.S. Coast Guard for their relentless efforts, searching more than 1,000 square miles using aircraft, cutters, and small boats. Their sense of duty is profound, and we know they too carry the weight of this tremendous loss. While nothing can bring Captain Gus and the crew of the Lily Jean back to their families and communities, we owe it to them, and to every fisherman who heads out before dawn, to ensure that this vital and dangerous work is respected, valued, and supported. Fishing is not just an occupation. It is a way of life, built on hard work, risk, and an enduring love for the sea. Fishermen often say they have salt in their blood. The love we have for our Gloucester fishermen runs deep in our hearts too. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the crew of the Lily Jean, and we stand with the entire Gloucester community as they grieve this loss during this heartbreaking time. ____________________