Aaron Bremner, a 24-year-old who was part of YWAM Ships, has been missing since one of the YWAM ships had capsized on Saturday morning.
After one of YWAM's ships were capsized on Saturday morning, Aaron Bremner, a 24-year-old who was among those on the vessel, has not been found.
The ship was flipped over twice as it encountered rough waves a few miles from shore at Kailua Bay. Four other crew members that Bremner was on board with made it to shore safely on a portable raft, according to Phil Cunningham, the Communications Director for YWAM Ships. Cunningham told the Associated Press that the crew was unable to take Bremner with them because "the passageway was blocked."
The search for Bremner has been ongoing. Though the vessel itself was found, firefighters did not find anyone inside, according to a statement from the fire department. Firefighters and the Coast Guard will continue the search.
"We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the Fire Department, Coast Guard, Department of Land and Natural Resources. We are holding on to hope for the safe return of Aaron. Please join us in prayer for Aaron and his family as we continue to stand with them," YWAM Ships stated.
Bremner had been participating in mission work through YWAM Ships Kona, during which he and the others on the team would provide medical and dental assistance, give Bibles, and help to purify the water at isolated islands. He and the others on the vessel were preparing to go to Christmas Island on Tuesday.
"Aaron has been the most incredible human being. He just came to the islands two years ago so it has been a reconnection for our family," Cindy MacDonald, Bremner's aunt, told Hawaii News Now. "He was so full of just peace. That's one of the reasons that the family is really at peace. He seemed to be very happy in his life's choices."
"Aaron was so looking forward to getting back to Micronesia and to the places and people he fell in love with during his previous deployment," YWAM Ships said in one of its emergency updates regarding Bremner.
Bremner's family, local community members, and rescue workers gathered on Tuesday evening for a memorial service for Bremner.
