Florida fitness instructor and army veteran Eiffel Gilyana vanishes during canoe surfing trip, boat found split in half

A Florida fitness instructor and army veteran has been missing since a canoe surfing excursion — and loved ones are still holding out hope for a miracle as they continued to search for him this week.

Eiffel Gilyana, 46, who served as head of wellness for a local Jewish organization, was one of several people who set out for a morning trip off of St. Augustine.

Other members of his party lost sight of the married father of three at one point and later discovered his overturned canoe broken in half.

US Coast Guard units mounted a massive search soon after, but were unable to locate him.

After 48 hours, the effort was suspended Sunday night. Volunteer crews are continuing to scan the waters for any sign of Gilyana this week.

His family launched a GoFundMe page to support his wife and three children, as well as continue the search efforts.

“Remember Eiffel. Share his story. Bring him home.” the fundraiser said.

Members of canoe surfing his group noted that he had set out without a life jacket.

The native of Iraq served in the U.S. military from 2003 to 2009 as a translator.

Gilyana eventually settled in Jacksonville to escape threats from ISIS, according to reports.

He became a successful fitness instructor, and was known for completing grueling endurance challenges.

An experienced kayaker, he once completed a 150-mile journey from Miami to Key West.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic event,’ said Cmdr. Nick Barrow of Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville.  “This was an intensive search with the hope of finding Mr. Gilyana. I want to thank our partners from the city of St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Florida Fish and Wildlife and Customs and Border Protection for their contributions to this unified effort.”

The former competitive bodybuilder served as health coordinator for the local Jewish Community Alliance, which noted his dedication and accomplished fitness background in a bio.

“A passionate leader and role model to our JCA community, Eiffel says he is always sure to never take anything for granted and to stay positive even in difficult times,” the description states.

In addition to his work with the organization, Eiffel also served as Health and Wellness Advisor for Task Force Hydro 1, a non-profit group that works with veterans and emergency workers.

“During this truly difficult time, we hold Eiffel’s family, friends, Task Force Hydro1 teammates, clients and our JCA community close in prayer,” said JCA CEO Adam Chaskin in a statement.