ROCKPORT — Chief John Horvath, the Rockport Police Department and the Office of Essex District Attorney Paul Tucker report that they are investigating the apparent drowning of two divers off the coast of Rockport on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, Oct. 4, at approximately 11:05 a.m., Rockport Police were notified that a diver was in medical distress on Front Beach and emergency medical aid was subsequently provided by bystanders, police and ambulance personnel.
The individual, identified as ALAN DE OLIVEIRA LEAO, AGE 75, OF PEPPERELL, was transported by ambulance to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Later that afternoon at approximately 3 p.m., through investigation, it was determined that a second diver was unaccounted for.
The Rockport Police and Fire Departments, supported by Rockport Ambulance, the Rockport Harbormaster, Massachusetts State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard, and a Rockport-based research vessel, the Ocean Reporter, responded to the scene. Massachusetts State Police and the U.S. Coast Guard both sent aircraft to assist the search. The Massachusetts State Police Dive Team helped search underwater.
The second diver, identified as RICHARD BRADY, AGE 78, OF HAMPTON, N.H., was subsequently recovered from the ocean off of Front Beach and pronounced deceased.
There does not appear to be any signs of foul play in the deaths, but they remain under investigation by Rockport Police and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the District Attorney’s Office.
“This is a tragedy for the two families who have lost their loved ones,” said Chief Horvath. “We grieve with both families and send our deepest condolences.”
