08/05/2026
Today, Amesbury Police Chief Craig Bailey, in his role as Amesbury Harbormaster, hosted “Operation River Guardian”, a regional maritime search and rescue exercise on the Merrimack River.
Participating agencies included Amesbury Fire Rescue, the Newburyport Harbormaster, the Salisbury Harbormaster, the Massachusetts Environmental Police, and the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT), including its Drone Unit.
As part of the exercise, weighted marker buoys were deployed at various locations throughout the river to simulate persons in the water and evaluate coordinated search and rescue operations utilizing marine units, drones, and shore-based resources.
The exercise was designed to strengthen interagency communications, improve coordination among regional public safety partners, reduce response times, and enhance public safety along the Merrimack River.
The City of Amesbury thanks all participating agencies for their professionalism, partnership, and continued commitment to protecting those who live, work, and recreate on one of our region's most valuable natural resources.
As a reminder, the Merrimack River is a dynamic waterway with strong currents, changing tides, submerged rock formations, and shifting sandbars. Boaters, paddlers, swimmers, and shoreline anglers are encouraged to wear appropriate personal flotation devices, remain aware of changing river conditions, and always practice safe boating. Massachusetts law requires children under 12 years of age to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while aboard a recreational vessel.
Amesbury Police Department (OFFICIAL) Amesbury Fire Rescue Department
