NEWBURYPORT – Helicopters circled the Merrimack River around Cashman Park Wednesday morning as the search for a missing person continued. Newburyport police and fire were on scene attempting to locate the person who reportedly entered the river in near freezing temperatures.
Rescuers responded to the park around 8 a.m. after witnesses saw a man enter the frigid waters to retrieve an errant boat, according to local police.
Newburyport police Lt. Gregory Whitney said the man was seen by multiple people in the fast moving water who quickly called for help.
According to witnesses, the 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.
In addition to a Newburyport fire boat, a Salisbury Fire Department drone team, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and boat, and a state police dive team were called to the scene. Local boaters are also searching the area, according to police.
A pile of the man’s belongings, including a backpack, clothing, water jug and a half eaten breakfast were spotted along the river in Cashman Park by a reporter.
More on this developing story to come..
Daily News editor Dave Rogers contributed to this report.