NEWBURYPORT, MA — Newburyport Police and Fire Departments have suspended search and rescue operations for the night for a person reported missing in the Merrimack River.
On Wednesday at about 8 a.m., Newburyport Police and Fire responded to reports of a person in the Merrimack River.
According to witnesses, a person was seen clinging to the side of a small skiff boat in the river.
First responders located the boat drifting in the river and are searching for the occupant.
Throughout the day, search and rescue efforts were conducted by boat using side scan sonar, drones and helicopters.
Agencies involved in the search included Newburyport Fire Department, Newburyport Police Department, Massachusetts State Police Dive Team and Airwing, Massachusetts Environmental Police, Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Rehab Unit, Amesbury Fire Department, Salisbury Fire Department Drone, Merrimac Police Department Drone, U.S. Coast Guard, Atlantic Ambulance and Beverly Fire Department Dive Team.
Divers searched the water and have not located the missing person.
Search and rescue operations will resume Thursday at 9 a.m.
