Newburyport Boating Incident: Man Missing in Merrimack River, Presumed Dead
Search Underway on the Merrimack River in Newburyport after a man went missing Wednesday morning in what authorities believe was a boating-related incident near the Chain Bridge. Officials say the person has not been publicly identified, and after hours of unsuccessful efforts in difficult tidal conditions, the situation is increasingly being treated as a presumed fatal incident.
A multi-agency response was launched after reports came in around 8 a.m. on Dec. 3. Newburyport Police said witnesses observed a person clinging to the side of a small skiff on the river during a very high incoming tide. Shortly afterward, the witness lost sight of the man as the skiff drifted downriver.
Responders later located the skiff drifting without anyone onboard and secured it at a nearby dock. Authorities also found an unoccupied vehicle at the Cashman Park boat ramp, along with a backpack and other equipment near the water’s edge. Officials indicated the items appeared to have been intentionally placed. Early information suggested the missing person may have been a hunter working in the area or preparing to do so near the Chain Bridge, though officials have not released confirmation of any specific activity.
Large multi-agency search effort deployed
A full search-and-rescue operation was initiated from the Cashman Park ramp, with resources deployed on water, from the shoreline, and from the air. Agencies and units involved have included Newburyport Police and Fire, Massachusetts State Police (including air support and drone resources), and the U.S. Coast Guard from Station Merrimack. Additional support included multiple rescue vessels, helicopter assets, the Newburyport Fire boat, the Harbormaster, and a dive team, along with private vessels assisting in the search area. A mobile command post and multiple ground units were also used to coordinate operations.
Officials described the response as extensive and ongoing, stating they were using all available assets to cover the river and surrounding areas as conditions allowed.
River conditions described as dangerous
Authorities noted that tidal conditions were especially hazardous Wednesday morning, with a strong incoming tide creating swift currents. Those currents may have contributed to the skiff drifting away and the man being unable to remain with or regain control of the vessel. Officials also stated that after the skiff began to float away, the witness saw the man fall into the water and then cling to the side of the boat before disappearing beneath the surface.
Search continues with concern for outcome
While the search remained active as of Wednesday afternoon, officials acknowledged that the likelihood of survival decreases significantly as time passes, particularly in fast-moving tidal waters. Authorities indicated that, given the elapsed time and conditions, the effort was increasingly being viewed as a recovery operation rather than a rescue.
Massachusetts State Police were working to contact the registered owner connected to the vehicle found at the ramp in order to confirm the missing person’s identity and rule out the possibility that the individual left the area by other means. Officials said no public identification had been released, and the investigation remained ongoing.
Public asked to avoid Cashman Park area
The operation led to closures affecting parts of Cashman Park and nearby waterfront areas. Authorities urged the public to stay clear so that boats, divers, aircraft, and ground teams could continue operating safely and without obstruction.
As of the latest update provided in the information shared, no new announcements had been released regarding the man’s status, and the search operation was still underway under challenging conditions.
