A Hermosa Beach man has been lost at sea after his Youth With a Mission missionary boat capsized off Hawaii’s Big Island last Saturday.
Aaron Bremner, 24, was one of six men on the boat named the Hawaii Aloha. He was sleeping when the vessel capsized and the crew was unable to reach him. The other five crewmen made it to a lifeboat and were rescued but Bremner remains missing.
The group was planning to sail to Pacific Islands including Christmas Island, Micronesia and Australia, to host medical and dental clinics and bring purification devices when dangerous weather conditions caused the 74-foot sailboat to flip four miles off the shore.
The Coast Guard and the Hawaii Fire Department suspended the search for Bremner last Tuesday. The search spanned over 600 miles with helicopters and boats scouring the sea for 80 hours. This is the first accident of its kind for any YWAM vessel internationally.
Among the search party was actor Rob Lowe, who was on the beach when the boat capsized. Lowe attempted to rescue the missing sailor on a jet ski but was ultimately unable to locate him.
“Aaron was a people person who genuinely cared for and got along with others,” said Alex Morales, a close friend of the victim. “I will always remember his sense of humor. He was hilarious-always cracking jokes and making silly faces to bring a smile. I don’t think anyone could say a bad word about him.”
“The way he spent the past few years-dedicating himself to God and selfless work…he was a truly inspirational man,” she said. “His journey stands as a constant reminder for us all to personally reflect, face our struggles, and commit to a journey of happiness and self-discovery.
Bremner’s family has set up a memorial fund in partnership with YWAM. fund will go towards purchase of a replacement vessel for YWAM Ships Kona, to sail throughout Micronesia and minister to the needs of the isolated.
“This was Aaron’s passion,” said his sister, Lauryn. “His dream was to one day captain a ship and we want to see his dream go on.”
Those who wish to give to the Aaron Bremner Memorial Fund can do so at www.ywamships.net.
