Total strangers were reaching out.' Fund to support families of Gloucester fishing boat tragedy exceeds $1 million

Total strangers were reaching out, and the response has turned into more than $1 million for families impacted by the January 30 sinking of the 72-foot fishing boat Lily Jean off Cape Ann. The loss of all seven crew members marked the North Shore community’s worst fatal event in nearly half a century, prompting immediate public inquiries about financial support. In less than five months, the F/V Lily Jean Fund—created within 24 hours—has grown to over $1 million through more than 1,000 contributions. Funding has come from local banks and manufacturers, the seafood industry, and vessel owners, along with donations from Canada’s Maritime Provinces, Maine communities, Nova Scotia sister cities, and an anonymous West Coast donor who matched the first $40,000. State Senator Bruce Tarr, Mayor Paul Lundberg, Council President Tony Gross, and Harbormaster Chris Lucido worked with Cape Ann Savings Bank and fiscal agent Vito Giacalone to launch a website and set up accountable, community-based handling.