According to authorities, a mother who tried to rescue one child and save another child who was caught in Massachusetts' Merrimack River on a family fishing trip died.
According to a Newburyport Fire Department release, the family consisted of a father, mother, and four children. They were on Deer Island in Newburyport, when a 6-year old boy and a seven-year-old girl entered into the river.
Their mother, who was able to get them out of the water, was assisted by a nearby fishing boat. Fire officials stated that she was able get her daughter onto the boat but could not lift herself up.
According to the release, she went underwater and was "unable to resurface".
The Massachusetts State Police and other local agencies responded at 7:18 p.m. to report that multiple people had been swept into the river.
Fire officials stated that rescue crews found the mother and pulled her out of the water, but she was not responding and wasn't breathing.
CPR was immediately administered to her. She was taken to Anna Jaques Hospital where she was later declared dead.
In the meantime, her name will not be released.
Officials couldn't find her 6-year-old son, despite finding her mother. Fire officials stated that he is the only missing member of the family.
According to authorities, the other relatives were also taken to the hospital. According to authorities, they were doing well.
The Newburyport Fire Department stated that the search operation was ongoing and active. It also involves mutual aid resources from the entire region.
According to Newburyport Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire, the boy was on land at the time he fell into the water. He was still there as of Thursday evening.
He said that children entered the water in "typical Merrimack River conditions".
"At that time, it was only the end of high tide. LeClaire stated that the river can move at a rapid pace. The area is well-known for its fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities. It is a rocky ledge that is part of the river. This area is very popular, especially during this time of year.
He said that it is difficult to find the right child in this critical time.
