Marine Patrol Recovers 2 Bodies After Merrimack River Drownings

CANTERBURY, NH — The New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol have recovered the bodies of a woman and man who drowned in the Merrimack River in Canterbury Saturday.

Around 7:45 p.m., marine patrol as well as the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department, Canterbury and Boscawen police, and firefighters from Canterbury, Boscawen, Concord, and Penacook rescue were called to the area of Pebble Beach after a report of swimmers struggling in the river.

Four people, according to Lt. Crystal McLain, were swimming earlier in the evening when two began to struggle in the river.

"Despite efforts from the other two people to help pull them from the water, they went underwater and did not resurface," she said. "Rescue efforts continued through the evening until the search was suspended."

The search resumed Sunday and at 8:19 a.m., Fish & Game found the body of a 21-year-old woman. Seventeen minutes later, the body of a 27-year-old man was found.

The incident remains under investigation, McLain said. The names of the victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Additional details will be released as they become available.

Anyone who has information or witnessed the incidents are encouraged to contact Lt. Crystal McLain at 603-227-2113 or by email at Crystal.McLain@dos.nh.gov.

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