Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts, August 25, 2025
News Summary
Rescue operations are ongoing for a man in his 50s who went missing after a 47-foot boat capsized off Salisbury Beach. The incident occurred amid hazardous conditions caused by Hurricane Erin, prompting search teams to deploy sonar scans, dive teams, surface patrols, and aerial searches. While the boat’s owner was rescued from the water, the missing individual has yet to be found. Authorities emphasize the dangers of the area and continue to monitor weather conditions as they carry out their search efforts.
Salisbury, Massachusetts
Search Continues for Missing Man After Boat Capsizes Off Salisbury Beach
Rescue crews continued the search Sunday for a man in his 50s who remained unaccounted for after a 47-foot vessel capsized and sank near the mouth of the Merrimack River on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred off Salisbury Beach amid hazardous conditions produced by Hurricane Erin, which created high surf and dangerous rip currents along the Massachusetts coastline.
What happened
The vessel, a 47-foot boat named The Great White, departed Salisbury Marina with two people aboard. Emergency services were notified shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday that the boat had taken on water and begun to sink. The U.S. Coast Guard located and rescued the boat’s owner in the water; that individual was transported to a Boston hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening and is expected to recover. The second occupant, a man in his 50s, remained missing as of Sunday evening.
Search operations and conditions
Search and recovery operations involved a coordinated response by Massachusetts State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard, and local emergency services. Efforts included sonar scans, dive teams, surface patrols, and aerial searches. Operations were briefly paused on Saturday due to adverse weather, then resumed Sunday morning. Teams reported challenging conditions with waves reaching 6–8 feet, strong currents, and high surf that limited visibility and complicated search efforts.
Investigators recovered evidence of the vessel’s wreckage during the search, but no sign of the missing man was found. The circumstances of the incident are under active investigation by the Massachusetts Environmental Police. Officials have not released the identities of the two individuals involved.
Public safety and local context
Local officials repeatedly warned residents and beachgoers to stay out of the water as Hurricane Erin generated hazardous rip currents and dangerous surf conditions along the coast. The mouth of the Merrimack River is highlighted by authorities as one of the most dangerous navigational areas on the East Coast due to shifting shoals, strong tides, and frequent heavy surf. Residents in the area expressed concern for the missing man and noted the risks faced by first responders working in severe weather and sea conditions.
Ongoing priorities
Primary priorities remain locating the missing individual and ensuring the safety of search teams. Agencies involved continue to coordinate resources and monitor weather and sea-state conditions to determine the safest and most effective search methods. Family notifications and further investigative steps are being managed by the appropriate state and federal authorities.
Background
Hurricane Erin affected coastal New England with increased wave action and dangerous rip currents that have prompted warnings and beach closures across the region. Coastal rescue operations during such conditions are frequently hampered by limited visibility, shifting currents, and large waves, which can force temporary suspensions of surface and dive-based searches. The mouth of the Merrimack River, where this incident occurred, is routinely cited in navigational advisories due to its complex and often unpredictable conditions.
FAQ
What is the current status of the missing person?
As of Sunday evening, one man in his 50s remained unaccounted for following the capsizing. Search teams continued operations Sunday after weather-related pauses on Saturday.
Who was involved in the rescue and search?
Search and rescue efforts involved the U.S. Coast Guard, Massachusetts State Police, local emergency services, and dive teams. The Massachusetts Environmental Police are leading the investigation into the circumstances of the capsizing.
Was anyone rescued?
The boat’s owner was located in the water and rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. That individual was taken to a Boston hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening and is expected to recover.
What were the sea and weather conditions at the time?
Hurricane Erin produced high surf and dangerous rip currents. During the search, responders reported waves reaching 6–8 feet, strong currents, and overall hazardous conditions that limited search operations at times.
Are the names of the people involved public?
No. Officials have not released the identities of either person involved in the incident.
What should the public do?
Local officials advised the public to stay out of the water and avoid coastal areas affected by high surf and rip currents until conditions improve and official warnings are lifted.
Quick Reference: Safety and Incident Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Off Salisbury Beach, near mouth of the Merrimack River |
| Date and Time | Saturday afternoon; emergency called shortly after 4 p.m.; search ongoing through Sunday |
| Vessel | 47-foot boat named The Great White, departed Salisbury Marina with two people aboard |
| Casualties/Injuries | One person rescued and hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries; one person missing as of Sunday evening |
| Search methods | Sonar scans, dive teams, surface patrols, aerial searches |
| Weather/Sea Conditions | High surf and rip currents due to Hurricane Erin; waves reported at 6–8 feet |
| Agencies Involved | U.S. Coast Guard, Massachusetts State Police, local emergency services, Massachusetts Environmental Police |
| Investigation | Under investigation by Massachusetts Environmental Police; identities not released |
| Public Advisory | Officials warn the public to stay out of the water and avoid affected coastal areas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
One Rescued, One Missing After Boat Capsizes Off Salisbury Beach
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: Salisbury, Massachusetts
- CBS News
- Google Search: Hurricane Erin
- Boston.com
- Google Scholar: Salisbury Beach boat capsize
- WCVB
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Rescue Operations
- MassLive
- Google News: Salisbury Beach capsized boat
- WHDH
- CBS News
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
