Salisbury Beach, August 24, 2025
News Summary
A 47-foot recreational boat capsized off Salisbury Beach after taking on water near the Merrimack River. The vessel had two male occupants, one of whom was rescued and taken to a Boston hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The second individual, in his 50s, is still missing. Rescue efforts were complicated by hazardous weather conditions linked to Hurricane Erin, leading to the suspension of water search operations. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess the feasibility of resuming searches.
Salisbury
One rescued, one missing after boat capsizes off Salisbury Beach
What happened: A 47-foot recreational vessel capsized off Salisbury Beach Saturday afternoon at about 4 p.m. after taking on water near the mouth of the Merrimack River. Two people were aboard when the vessel began to sink. The U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities responded. One male, the owner of the vessel, was rescued and flown by medical helicopter to a Boston hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A second male passenger in his 50s remains missing and unaccounted for.
Immediate response and current status
Massachusetts State Police were notified shortly after the incident. Rescue efforts involved the U.S. Coast Guard, Newburyport Police, local Fire Departments, and the local Harbormaster. Field patrols stayed active on land overnight to monitor conditions and assist where possible.
Searches in the water were paused Saturday night due to hazardous conditions, including high surf and dangerous rip currents. The boat has since sunk. Officials reported no further updates were expected Saturday, and it remained uncertain whether water search operations would resume on Sunday. Witnesses and responders noted that rough water increased the danger to search teams, prompting the suspension of water operations for safety reasons.
Where it happened and vessel details
The capsizing occurred near the mouth of the Merrimack River off Salisbury Beach after the vessel departed from Salisbury Marina. The boat measured approximately 47 feet. Authorities indicated the vessel began taking on water and subsequently sank despite posted warnings about hazardous coastal conditions associated with Hurricane Erin.
Injuries, missing person and medical care
The rescued individual, identified as the owner of the vessel, was transported by Coast Guard medical helicopter to a Boston hospital and assessed with non-life-threatening injuries. The second occupant, a man in his 50s, remained missing at the time rescue efforts were paused. Recovery teams planned to reassess conditions before deciding whether to resume water-based searches.
Weather and safety context
The incident took place amid warnings for dangerous swimming and boating conditions along the Massachusetts coastline linked to Hurricane Erin. High surf, strong rip currents and overall rough sea state were cited as hazards in the area. Local officials expressed concern about the decision to operate the vessel under these conditions, noting the increased risk to both those aboard and first responders.
Operational support and next steps
Local agencies that assisted in initial response include Newburyport Police and Fire Departments and the local Harbormaster. The Coast Guard led maritime search and rescue operations until water operations were suspended for safety. Land patrols remained in place to maintain situational awareness and provide support. Officials planned to monitor weather and sea state and determine whether to resume water searches when conditions become safer.
Background and safety notes
Hurricane-related coastal impacts commonly include elevated waves, storm surge, and hazardous rip currents. These conditions can quickly overwhelm vessels and create life-threatening situations for swimmers and boaters. Authorities typically advise avoiding marine activities during such warnings and to follow official guidance posted by local maritime and emergency agencies.
FAQ
What occurred off Salisbury Beach?
A 47-foot recreational boat capsized near the mouth of the Merrimack River after taking on water. One person was rescued; a second person is missing.
Who responded to the incident?
Massachusetts State Police notified the response. The U.S. Coast Guard carried out maritime rescue efforts with support from Newburyport Police, local Fire Departments, and the local Harbormaster. Land patrols remained active overnight.
What is the condition of the rescued person?
The rescued individual, the vessel owner, was transported to a Boston hospital by medical helicopter with reported non-life-threatening injuries.
Why were searches paused?
Water search operations were paused due to adverse weather, including high surf and dangerous rip currents, which posed risks to both victims and rescuers.
Will the search resume?
Officials stated it was uncertain whether water search efforts would resume the following day; resumption depends on improving sea and weather conditions and safety assessments.
What should the public do?
Members of the public are advised to avoid coastal waters during hazardous conditions, heed official warnings, and report emergencies through local emergency channels.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Saturday, around 4:00 p.m. |
| Location | Off Salisbury Beach, near the mouth of the Merrimack River |
| Vessel | 47-foot recreational boat, departed Salisbury Marina |
| People onboard | Two males (one rescued, one missing, in his 50s) |
| Rescue agencies | U.S. Coast Guard, Massachusetts State Police, Newburyport Police, local Fire Departments, Harbormaster |
| Injuries | One rescued individual with non-life-threatening injuries transported to Boston hospital |
| Current status | Vessel sunk; water search paused due to high surf and dangerous rip currents; land patrols active |
| Safety advisory | Avoid marine activity during hazardous coastal warnings; follow official instructions |
| Emergency reporting | Use local emergency channels (call 911) or contact local maritime authorities for immediate danger |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: Boating Safety
- Boston 25 News
- Google Search: Boat Capsizing Incidents
- CBS News Boston
- Google Scholar: Marine Safety
- WHDH News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Maritime Safety
- Fall River Reporter
- Google News: Salisbury Beach Boat Incident
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.
