Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has formally requested assistance from the U.S. Navy to help recover bodies and evidence from a fishing vessel that sank off the state's coast in January, killing seven crew members.

The fishing vessel Lily Jean went down in waters off Massachusetts during winter weather conditions. The incident resulted in the deaths of all seven crew members aboard the commercial fishing boat.

Governor Healey's request to the Navy comes as investigators continue working to determine the cause of the fatal sinking. The recovery of additional evidence and any remaining bodies could provide crucial information for the ongoing investigation into what led to the vessel's loss.

The January sinking represents one of the deadliest maritime incidents in recent Massachusetts waters. Commercial fishing operations along the New England coast face particular hazards during winter months due to severe weather conditions and rough seas.

Navy involvement in civilian maritime investigations typically occurs when specialized underwater recovery capabilities or equipment are needed that exceed the resources of local and state authorities.