Search and rescue operations for a person seen clinging to a boat in the Merrimack River were called off for the day around 5 p.m. Wednesday and will resume on Thursday morning, officials said.

Newburyport police and firefighters responded to several reports of a person in the Merrimack River at around 8 a.m. Wednesday, said City Marshal Matthew Simons and Fire Chief Stephen H. Bradbury in a joint statement.

Witnesses told police they saw a person clinging to the side of a small skiff boat in the river. First responders found the boat drifting in the river, but are still searching for its occupant.

Throughout the day, officials conducted search and rescue efforts by boat using side scan sonar and with drones and helicopters. Divers searched the water and didn’t find the missing person

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