Two LDS missionaries drowned after being swept out to sea by rough waves in the Canary Islands Monday.
The missionaries were on a sightseeing trip on a shore of the Canary Islands, which are governed by Spain, when the waves crashed over them, said Dale Bills, a spokesman with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Killed were:
Elder Jaarl Michael Papenfuss, Fountain Green, Utah.
Elder Joshua Matthew Prymak, Montclair, Va.
Elder Papenfuss, 20, and Elder Prymak, 19, were among six missionaries visiting the Punta de Teno, a picturesque point near the quaint town of Buenapista del Norte in the island Tenerife, said Elder Enrique Maroto, a native of Barcelona serving as the mission secretary.
Two missionaries were taking pictures near waves crashing against the rocks about 11:30 a.m. when a wave swept them out to sea, Elder Maroto said. One of the missionaries was able to swim back to shore. Another missionary who ran to help the missionary swimming back was swept out to sea by another wave.
The others reported the incident to authori- ties and a search began by Spain's civil guard using helicopters, Elder Maroto said. The bodies were located Tuesday and retrieved Wednesday morning.
Arrangements are being made to transport the bodies home.
Elder Maroto said the area has been experiencing uncharacteristic stormy weather for about three weeks. Last week, unyielding storms caused an airport and all the ports in the seven islands comprising the Canary Islands to close for a day. There have also been reports of floodings.
The tragedy has affected the whole mission, Elder Maroto said. To boost morale, an LDS Area Authority will address the missionaries at an upcoming meeting.
"It has been a strong blow," Elder Maroto said. "We have all fasted for the (victims') families and for ourselves."
A few hours after the wave crashed down, word of the possible drownings circulated around Papenfuss' hometown. Fountain Green, a town of about 400 people, is located in the northern portion of Sanpete County.
"My boss told me at about 3 p.m. Monday," said Jared King, who lives a few blocks from the Papenfusses' home. "It's been around. Everybody in town knew him."
Elder Papenfuss lived with his parents, three sisters and four brothers before leaving for his mission. He had been in the field about 15 months, Bills said. Elder Prymak was eight months into his mission.
The Canary Islands are off the coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Elders Papenfuss and Prymak were serving in the Spain Las Palmas Mission, Bills said. He did not know whether they were companions.
Elder Papenfuss was known as a hard worker and an excellent student. He left North Sanpete High School after his junior year and attended Snow College in Ephraim.
"I can tell you he was an exceptional student," said Courtney Syme, the school's principal. "He comes from a great family with good brothers and sisters.
"This has had a profound effect on the staff and the students here. The teachers who had him are all very concerned."
Deseret News staff writer Jennifer Dobner contributed to this report.