ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The body of a 46-year-old canoer who had been missing since Saturday was discovered around 1 p.m. Tuesday, about 7 miles from where he was last seen near the St. Augustine Inlet.
The Jewish Community Alliance shared the heartbreaking update about Eiffel Gilyana, who had been the subject of a massive Coast Guard and volunteer search.
“During this exceedingly difficult time, we humbly ask our community to extend their warmth and compassion to embrace and support the Gilyana Family,” the JCA’s statement said.
Gilyana went paddling Saturday morning on an outrigger canoe with a group, but the others lost sight of him, and his canoe was later found damaged.
A prayer vigil in Vilano Beach was held Monday.
The U.S. Coast Guard Southeast suspended its search on Sunday night after covering about 341 square miles of the St. Augustine Inlet -- the size of the city of Dallas. But Gilyana’s family and friends were praying for a miracle and not giving up hope.
Task Force Hydro 1, a charity that helps suicide prevention for veterans, headed back out with volunteers Tuesday morning to look for Gilyana, who is a member of the group.
A group of five searchers in outrigger canoes left from the St. Augustine Lighthouse boat ramp around 9 a.m. Tuesday to search the Anastasia State Park area up to the Bridge of Lions. Another group was supposed to go out at 2 p.m. Tuesday and stay out until dark.
At least 70 volunteers signed up to help search in five areas, stretching from Mickler’s Landing to the Matanzas Inlet. Among the volunteers are veterans from Georgia and Cocoa Beach.
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Retired Navy veteran Leonardo Yui, a member of Task Force Hydro 1, said he’s been friends with Gilyana for a few years.
“One way to describe Eiffel is just as a man of faith, a loving father, just a loving person. If any of us was out there missing, he will be the one out there searching as well,” Yui said. “Eiffel loves helping people. He knows the Bible front and back. Very knowledgeable guy. A family man. Loves his wife, his parents, his kids, and just a wonderful guy.”
He expressed sincere condolences at the loss of his friend.
“Our hearts are shattered with the devastating news about Eiffel,” Yui said in a statement from Task Force Hydro1. “His passion, dedication, and contributions to our organization and the broader community will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
A GoFundMe has been set up for Gilyana’s family.
Gilyana worked at the Jewish Community Alliance as its fitness and wellness director.
JCA CEO Adam Chaskin released a statement about Gilyana Sunday on Facebook: