Governor Maura Healey has asked the US Navy to assist in the investigation into the Lily Jean, the fishing vessel that was lost off the coast of Cape Ann in January with seven people on board.
In a letter sent Thursday to the secretary of Navy, Hung Cao, Healey wrote that a hard drive and video recorder were installed on the vessel, and that the manufacturer believes information can be recovered if the wreckage is found.
The National Safety Transportation Board is investigating the sinking but won’t attempt to recover the boat as part of its inquiry, Healey wrote.
“We are seeking the expertise and resources of the U.S. Navy in the retrieval of this key piece of equipment in the hope that it will provide information to understand what led to the sinking of the F/V Lily Jean and help ensure future crews’ safety at sea,” Healey wrote.
She also asked the Navy to assess the feasibility of recovering the remains of those who perished aboard the vessel “in keeping with the wishes” of each family.
“While we understand the potential risk to personnel and substantial cost, we believe it is a worthwhile investment to provide closure to the families of those lost, improve safety for future vessels, and prevent further loss of life,” Healey wrote.
The letter was also signed by Republican state Senator Bruce Tarr, the minority leader who represents Gloucester.
In an email, a spokeswoman for Cao said Friday that “the Office of the Secretary of the Navy is in receipt of the correspondence.
“A response is being prepared and will be transmitted directly to the Governor’s office.”
She did not specify a timeline for the Navy’s response.
Officials have identified the seven people on board as Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo, Paul Beal Sr. and Paul Beal Jr.; John Rousanidis, Freeman Short, and Sean Therrien, and Jada Samitt, a NOAA fisheries observer.
Amid freezing temperatures, the Gloucester-based Lily Jean sank in deep waters about 25 miles off the coast of Cape Ann on Jan. 30. An emergency beacon triggered a Coast Guard response, but rescuers only found an empty life raft and the body of Sanfilippo, the vessel’s captain.
The 72-foot-long vessel was full of fish and was returning to Gloucester when it disappeared, officials have said.
Since 2001, nearly 50 lives have been lost at sea in the waters off New England. Healey wrote that recovering the Lily Jean could help save lives by improving safety measures.
“This video would assist the NTSB in providing safety recommendations to prevent future maritime disasters,” Healey wrote.
The Navy couldn’t immediately be reached for a comment on Healey’s request.
John R. Ellement can be reached at john.ellement@globe.com. Follow him @JREbosglobe.