Overview
- Gov. Maura Healey and Sen. Bruce Tarr asked Navy Secretary Hung Cao to assist in retrieving onboard video equipment from the F/V Lily Jean and to evaluate whether recovering crew remains is feasible.
- Massachusetts State Police reported signs that a recorder and hard drive on the wreck are intact, and the installer believes the footage can be pulled to show the moments before the vessel went down.
- Healey’s office said the NTSB declined to lead an equipment recovery, so the state turned to the Navy for expertise as federal investigators continue probing the loss.
- The 72‑foot trawler activated its emergency beacon about 20 miles off Cape Ann on Jan. 30 without a mayday, an empty life raft was found, and only the captain’s body has been recovered.
- Officials cite deep‑water risks, high costs, and the wreck’s status as a gravesite, while families press for closure and safety officials say any video could shape recommendations to prevent similar tragedies.