Heartbreak on the Merrimack: Young Women Saved—Then Passed Away Days Later

NEWBURYPORT, Mass., June 13, 2025 – A tragic story unfolded this week when two young women, both 25, lost their lives following a miracle rescue in the Merrimack River.

On Sunday evening, June 8, officials received a distress call reporting swimmers struggling off Plum Island Point. Local fishermen and first responders—including Newburyport Police & Fire and the U.S. Coast Guard—jumped into action and pulled two unconscious women from the water.

The women, later identified as Dahiana Canas of East Boston and Vanessa Correa of Lynn, were rushed to Anna Jacques Hospital. Their condition was critical, and they were transferred to larger hospitals in Boston and Burlington.

Sadly, Vanessa Correa passed away on Wednesday, June 11, and Dahiana Canas died the following day, June 12. Both women were only 25 years old.

City Marshal Matthew Simons and Fire Chief Stephen Bradbury III expressed their deepest sympathy. They praised the courageous local fishermen and first responders whose swift efforts saved the women from the river and brought them to shore for treatment.

“As a community, our hearts are heavy,” 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.”.

A preliminary investigation by the Newburyport Police and Essex County District Attorney’s Office concluded this was a tragic accident.

Why this is heartbreaking

• Young and full of promise: Both women were only 25, with their lives cut devastatingly short after a seemingly hopeful rescue.

• Heroic response: Local fishermen and first responders acted heroically—but their efforts could not ultimately save both women.

• Community loss: Newburyport is grappling with a deep sense of sorrow and reflection as investigators work to understand what went wrong.