KAILUA-KONA — Police took over the case of a 45-year-old Kailua-Kona man reported as missing after he did not return from a dive Friday night in Kailua Bay.
Alan Delatorre did not return home following the solo dive, and neither family nor friends have heard from him since, according to the Hawaii Police Department. Delatorre is described as having a medium build, standing at 5 feet, 4 inches tall, and weighing 156 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.
Delatorre’s truck was located Sunday morning in the area of Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel in Kailua Village. A dive buoy that is thought to belong to Delatorre was also located about 100 yards offshore of the former Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. on Alii Drive.
A search ensued, and Hawaii Fire Department divers subsequently recovered clothes and diving equipment in the waters near the buoy, police said. The items were identified as belonging to Delatorre.
The U.S. Coast Guard also assisted in the effort by diverting a cutter to the scene, launching a helicopter and crew and issuing an urgent marine information broadcast, said Chief Petty Officer Sara Muir of U.S. Coast Guard District 14 in Honolulu.
Muir said the dive float was reportedly seen in the same location Saturday, but because there were no missing people reported, rescue personnel stood down that day. She said the equipment located by fire rescue personnel Sunday was consistent with diving and spear fishing and the Coast Guard was released from the effort.
Helen Delatorre, who identified herself as Alan Delatorre’s wife, said the family, including his two children, remain hopeful he will return.
The fire department suspended the active search Sunday after finding the man’s belongings and speaking with the family.
Anyone with information about Delatorre’s whereabouts should contact Officer Adam Cho at 326-4646, ext. 296, or the department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311.
Email Chelsea Jensen at cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com.
