Officials in Newburyport on Thursday evening suspended the search and rescue effort for a man who went missing in the Merrimack River after he was seen clinging to the side of a small skiff boat on Wednesday morning.
There are no plans for a large-scale search effort to resume at this point, a spokesperson for the Newburyport police and fire departments told MassLive.
Newburyport police and firefighters responded to reports of a person in the river at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Officials told first responders they saw a man clinging to the side of a small skiff boat in the river, said Newburyport City Marshal Matthew Simons and Fire Chief Stephen H. Bradbury III in a joint statement.
First responders found the boat drifting in the river on Wednesday, but could not find the missing person. The search and rescue operation resumed Thursday, but the missing person was still not found.
Investigators determined the missing man was working for Northeast Work and Safety Boats and was scheduled to operate a safety boat for a bridge inspection job on Chain Bridge when he went missing, according to the statement. The safety boat was launched from Cashman Park and at one point, came loose from the dock.
The man went in the water to try and retrieve the boat and was reported missing shortly after that, according to the statement.
There is no indication of foul play, officials said.
“I am truly proud of the way our first responders and partner agencies came together during this difficult and traumatic incident,” said Simons in the statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones who are grieving. The dedication and professionalism displayed in this response demonstrate the genuine care and commitment that define our community.”
Agencies involved in the two-day search included the Newburyport Fire Department, Newburyport Police Department, Newburyport Harbormaster, 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.