NEWBURYPORT — On Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at approximately 4:04 p.m., Newburyport police officers, firefighters, the harbormaster responded to the Merrimack River to assist the U.S. Coast Guard, following a report of a capsized boat.
According to a joint statement from City Marshal Matthew Simons and Fire Chief Stephen H. Bradbury III, Newburyport Fire Marine Unit 2 also responded.
A preliminary investigation found that a 47-foot boat left Salisbury Marina, began taking on water, and started to sink with two people on board.
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued one person, who was flown by medical helicopter to a nearby hospital. The second passenger remains unaccounted for.
Mutual aid is being provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, Massachusetts State Police Air Wing, Newbury Police and Fire, Salisbury Police, Salisbury Fire, the Salisbury Harbormaster, and Atlantic Ambulance.
The boat has sunk, and public safety officials remain at the scene, the Newburyport Police Department said in their statement, which was issued at about 8:17 p.m. today.