Presque Isle fisherman among seven lost as vessel sinks off Massachusetts coast

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) – Aroostook County is mourning the loss of one of its own after a fishing vessel sank off the coast of Massachusetts, claiming the lives of seven people aboard.

Among them was Staff Sergeant Freeman Short, a fisherman from Presque Isle, whose death has sent shockwaves through both the local fishing community and the Maine Army National Guard.

The 72-foot fishing vessel Lily Jean went down roughly 25 miles off Cape Ann early last Friday morning, after its emergency beacon activated around 6:50 a.m.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, crews launched an immediate and extensive search effort, covering more than 1,000 square miles using aircraft, cutters, and small boats in what officials described as extremely dangerous conditions.

One body was recovered Friday, but after more than 24 hours of continuous searching, the Coast Guard announced it was suspending active search efforts.

In a post shared by the Maine National Guard, Short was remembered not only as a fisherman, but as a dedicated soldier, mentor, and leader.

Short served as an Infantryman with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry (Mountain), joining the Guard in 2012.

He deployed to the Horn of Africa in 2021 and was posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant.

U.S. Senator Susan Collins also paid tribute to Short, calling him “a bright light” who loved his family, the Maine outdoors, and his country. She noted that the tragedy is a stark reminder of how dangerous work at sea can be.

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