Two 25-year-old female Massachusetts swimmers who were rescued pass away in tragic accident

NEWBURYPORT — City Marshal Matthew Simons and Fire Chief Stephen Bradbury III regret to report that the two women who were pulled out of the Merrimack River following a response from Newburyport Police and Fire on Sunday, June 8, have died.

The Police and Fire Departments, supported by the Newbury Police and Fire Departments, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Atlantic Ambulance EMS, and assisted by local fishermen, returned two females to shore so they could receive medical attention on Sunday.

At approximately 7:00 p.m., Newburyport Police and Fire responded to a report of a swimmer in the water of Plum Island Point. Responding crews observed two swimmers in distress.

The women were initially brought to Anna Jacques Hospital and later transferred to hospitals in Boston and Burlington in critical condition. 

The women have been identified as Dahiana Canas, 25, of East Boston, and Vanessa Correa, 25, of Lynn. 

Canas passed away on Thursday, June 12, and Correa passed away a day earlier on Wednesday, June 11. 

City Marshal Simons and Chief Bradbury thanked and recognized first responders and the local fishermen who responded to the incident and aided in getting the women out of the water and onto shore. 

The Newburyport Police and Fire Department extended their sympathy and condolences to the friends and family of the victims. 

“As a community, our hearts are heavy with the tragic news that the two young women rescued from the Merrimack River earlier this week have passed away. On behalf of the City of Newburyport, I extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones during this unimaginable time,” said Marshal Simons. “We are extremely grateful to the citizens and first responders who fought tirelessly to save them. We ask that the community keep all those involved in this traumatic incident in their thoughts and prayers.”

Preliminary investigation suggests this incident to be a tragic accident. The investigation is being conducted by Newburyport Police and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.