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Newburyport Ends Two-Day Search for Worker Missing in Merrimack River

Officials say he entered the water to retrieve a drifting safety skiff tied to a bridge inspection job.

Overview

  • The operation has shifted to a recovery mission and authorities said there are no plans for a major search effort on Friday, barring new sightings.
  • Responders began searching after a 7:57 a.m. alert Wednesday and found the small skiff drifting, but the man last seen clinging to it was not located.
  • Witnesses reported hearing cries for help that suddenly stopped, and the Coast Guard said the reporting party did not see the person resurface.
  • Police said the man worked for Northeast Work and Safety Boats and was slated to operate a safety boat for Chain Bridge inspection, with his identity withheld and noted as not local.
  • Investigators recovered a pile of clothes and food on the shore near the launch site and said they do not suspect foul play, as multiple air, water, dive, drone, and sonar teams assisted.