Manchester swimmer drowns in Merrimack River Wednesday

CANTERBURY — A Manchester resident swimming in the Merrimack River drowned Wednesday afternoon. The incident is not considered suspicious, and State Police are investigating.

Robert Batchelder, 19, of Manchester, died at Concord Hospital after the drowning.

Marine Patrol officers responded to a 911 call at 12:56 p.m. on July 15, about a swimmer who had gone underwater in the Merrimack River and didn’t surface, according to a prepared statement from State Police.

Concord Deputy Fire Chief Mick Costello said on Thursday first responders from his department discovered Batchelder. Concord Fire’s Station 5, Canterbury Fire, and Penacook Fire were all called in, borders those communities border that location.

Costello said the department’s boat, as well as a swimmer in the water with goggles, conducted grid searches. The swimmer, from Concord Fire, found Batchelder, retrieved him from the water, and brought him onto the boat. Life-saving measures were conducted immediately. A crew member from Boscawen Fire also assisted, he said, and called it a “team effort.”

“Our boat from Manor Station was deployed, and our guys searched until they found him,” Costello said.

First responders located Batchelder in the middle of the river. Costello said Batchelder was swimming near Hannah Duston Road, and was found at 1:46 p.m. on Wednesday.

“The incident occurred in Canterbury, and the victim was recovered from the Merrimack River there,” said Michal Sventek, spokesperson for Marine Patrol.

The State Police report said a preliminary investigation found Batchelder had been swimming with a coworker, and began to struggle in the water. Police say several people tried to help him, but he went under before they could get to him.

Costello said first responders and police spoke to people at the scene to find out where and when Batchelder went underwater. No one else was physically harmed in the incident.

Marine Patrol was assisted by Concord Fire, Canterbury Police, Canterbury Fire Rescue, Boscawen Police, Boscawen Fire, Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office, and New Hampshire Fish and Game, according to information provided by Costello and State Police.

Canterbury Fire Capt. Craig Simpson said first responders from his department were at the scene, and deferred further comments to Marine Patrol and Fish and Game. 

“They are the ones in charge,” Simpson said Wednesday.

Maj. David Walsh, assistant chief of law enforcement for Fish and Game, said Wednesday Batchelder was found before his officers arrived, and deferred to Concord Fire for details.

Costello said the river typically has a notable current, adding the water is not very high. He did not speculate on what caused or contributed to the drowning.

When swimming in any body of water, Costello stressed safety, and to swim with a buddy.

“Any time you are in moving water, make sure you are experienced enough for swimming,” Costello said. “That is in any moving water, and make sure you are swimming with a friend.”

The death is not believed to be suspicious, but the circumstances are being investigated.

“This remains on ongoing investigation,” Sventek said.

Anyone with information should contact Trooper First Class Christopher Prenaveau at Christopher.J.Prenaveau@dos.nh.gov or 603-724-5693.