NEWBURYPORT — Two women who were pulled from the Merrimack River near Plum Island Point on Sunday, June 8, have died from their injuries, according to Newburyport City Marshal Matthew Simons and Fire Chief Stephen Bradbury III.
The women were identified as Dahiana Canas, 25, of East Boston, and Vanessa Correa, 25, of Lynn. Correa died on Wednesday, June 11, and Canas passed away the following day, Thursday, June 12.
Newburyport Police and Fire responded to a report of swimmers in distress around 7 p.m. Sunday and located two women in the water. With assistance from the Newbury Police and Fire Departments, U.S. Coast Guard, Atlantic Ambulance EMS, and local fishermen, both women were brought to shore and transported to Anna Jaques Hospital in critical condition. They were later transferred to hospitals in Boston and Burlington.
“Our hearts are heavy with the tragic news that the two young women rescued from the Merrimack River earlier this week have passed away,” said City Marshal Simons. “On behalf of the City of Newburyport, I extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones during this unimaginable time. We are extremely grateful to the citizens and first responders who fought tirelessly to save them.”
Police say the preliminary investigation suggests the incident was a tragic accident. It remains under investigation by the Newburyport Police Department and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.
