In the wake of the tragic scuba diving incident that unfolded off the serene shores of Front Beach in Rockport, authorities have now identified the victims as Alan De Oliveira Leao, 75, of Pepperell, and Richard Brady, 78, of Hampton, New Hampshire.
As previously reported, the incident came to light on Wednesday when Rockport Police responded to a distress call at 11 a.m., after a deceased man was discovered ashore following a morning dive. Subsequent investigations revealed that the deceased diver was one of two individuals who had ventured into the waters near Front Beach that morning.
In the hours that followed, an extensive search operation was launched to locate the second diver. Multiple agencies, including the Rockport Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Coast Guard Station Gloucester, Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, and the Research Vessel Ocean Reporter, joined forces in the search efforts.
The concerted search continued throughout the day, with the Coast Guard’s Research Vessel Ocean Reporter deploying sonar technology to aid in locating the missing diver. Tragically, at approximately 7 p.m., the vessel’s efforts proved successful as they retrieved the body of a 70-year-old man in diving gear from the waters near Front Beach.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy continues, residents are coming together to support one another and remember the lives of Alan De Oliveira Leao and Richard Brady. Both individuals were experienced divers who shared a love for exploring the underwater world.