Family mounts private search for missing Maui man

After rescue officials halted the search for a 75-year-old man on Maui, the family has launched its own search over land and sea.

Although he was initially reported as a missing swimmer, the family now thinks it possible that Tony Castro is lost somewhere on Maui, since it appears he missed doses of his medication.

Castro, 75, of Los Angeles, did not return home from his regular swim at Keawakapu Beach in Maui last Wednesday. He had been on Maui since Feb. 3.

An extensive search by fire, police and Coast Guard officials ended Saturday with no results. Police said the case is being handled as a missing-person case, and ask for anyone with information to call them.

Mike Ziegel, Castro's son-in-law, said that after speaking with a friend, he checked Castro's thyroid medication prescription. Multiple doses had been skipped, which Castro's physician said could lead to memory loss or disorientation.

"We'd like to ask the public for their support in keeping an eye out for him," Ziegel said.

Several members of the family flew out from California to help in the private search. But the family has gone beyond traditional means in searching for a missing person.

They have posted fliers and cards around Maui and hired a private helicopter and dive team to help with the search. A Web site, www.missingtony.com, went live Tuesday and features regular updates.

Castro often visited Hawaii to see his family, Ziegel said. The family lives close to the beach, and Castro's regular swim last Wednesday was part of a routine.

"After lunch he would go out to the water, not even swim, really, just stay in the water for 15 minutes, get wet, shower up and come home," Ziegel said.

Ziegel said the family is holding together well, "some doing better than others." But none of them have lost hope, he said.

"We're by no means here to hold a memorial," Ziegel said. "Everyone's here to spend time in the place he loved and see why he liked it here so much."

Castro is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 175 pounds, has brown eyes and balding gray hair and was wearing black swimming trunks. He has surgical scars on his chest and right leg, and a four-tooth lower dental bridge.