HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
KONA PATROL DIVISION
CAPTAIN PAUL KEALOHA
PHONE: 326-4646
SEPTEMBER 24, 2005
MEDIA RELEASE
Big Island police continue to seek the public’s assistance in locating a 12 year old boy who remains missing since Saturday, September 24, 2005.
Responding to a call shortly after 8:00 p.m., Saturday evening, Police determined the missing boy, identified as Alexander DEREGO, M-12, of Kamuela, Hawaii, had been fishing with two adult family members at a popular Ulua Fishing Spot commonly known as “The rock in the Water”, located in Kaawaloa, S. Kona, near the Kealakekua Bay.
Police determined that Derego was last seen by his brother actively fishing at “The Rock in the Water” at about 8:00 p.m. Upon noticing Alexander missing, both accompanying family members conducted a search for the missing youth, then notified authorities a short time later. Upon arrival, Police and Fire Personnel initiated a search for the youth. The initial search was suspended early Sunday morning at approximately 2:00 a.m., until first light the following morning.
Air, ground and dive search resumed the following morning which was coordinated by Hawaii County Fire Department. The search resulted with the recovery of a flashlight belonging to the missing youth. The flashlight was recovered from waters approximately 20′ in depth and in close proximity to the area Alexander was last seen.
Alexander DEREGO was an experienced swimmer and is described as being 5’0″ in height, weighing about 128 pounds, medium built with a tan complexion. This was the first time Alexander had fished at this popular spot. This incident continues to be investigated as a missing persons report and no foul play is suspected.
Anyone with information on Derego’s whereabouts is asked to call the Kona Police Station at 326-4646, Ext. 253, or the Police Departments non-emergency number at 935-3311. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept strictly confidential.
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