Andover rescue personnel joined the search for a four-year-old boy that has covered a more than 10-mile stretch of the Merrimack River.
Azriel Lopez fell into the Merrimack just before 6 p.m. Saturday near the Western Canal in Lowell, about nine miles upriver from Andover. Officials say the boy was quickly pulled under by the river’s current and is presumed drowned.
Andover Fire Rescue units, including its Marine 3 unit, have been assisting in the search since Saturday night. Personnel from municipalities along the Merrimack have joined the search, along with the Massachusetts State Police and its Airwing.
In an interview with WCVB-TV, Lopez’s father, Joan Lopez, said the family was holding out hope.
“We understand that it’s been a long time for a positive outcome, but we believe in the Lord that it will get us through this time,” Lopez said.