SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: 'The Bachelorette' Season 20 alums Brayden Bowers and Aaron Schwartzman recently became victims of a terrifying boating accident off the coast of San Diego. Fortunately, they were rescued by a boat that noticed them.
Brayden and Aaron became friends during filming for the upcoming 'Bachelor In Paradise' Season 9. The ABC show alums along with their three other friends went out on Aaron's boat for a day of fishing.
According to a report from FOX 5 San Diego, Aaron's boat sank 17 miles off the coast of San Diego. Brayden revealed that it all began when their friend got his line stuck on the engine propeller.
Brayden shared with the outlet, "Aaron just went to the back of the boat to go lift the engine up to go try to untangle it." He further added, "And, all of a sudden, as soon as he stepped on the swim deck, the boat literally just sunk."
After being stranded in the water for three and a half hours, they were rescued by two men, Chris Kieran and his cousin TJ, who were also out fishing for the day. Both Brayden and Aaron were contestants in Charity Lawson's season of 'The Bachelorette'.
While Aaron didn't make much of a connection with Charity, Brayden received her first impression rose. However, Brayden's doubts about getting engaged so quickly led to a mutual breakup between him and Charity later in the season.
Aaron Schwartzman and Brayden Bowers recall fishing accident
Aaron Schwartzman recalled the harrowing incident in an interview with Fox. He shared, "It's like being trapped and helpless because there's no service. We weren't able to send a distress signal at all. And the only thing that you have out there is hope."
However, Brayden dubbed the accident a "nightmare," adding, "You think of the next steps. But what are the next steps when you're 15 miles in the ocean, in a wind swell?" Despite being called heroes, Chris and TJ insisted that they simply did what any other fisher would do.
The group was stranded in the water 15 to 20 miles off the coast of San Diego for three and a half hours before they were rescued by another boat, according to Fox 5. Although Aaron, who's a firefighter, considers himself to be in shape, he knows that he wouldn't be able to swim 17 miles to get back to the shore.
Although Aaron is an expert at rescuing people, and Brayden is a travel nurse who has served in the military, they truly needed help. Additionally, Aaron might have lost his boat, but he noted that 'it's not what you have in life, but who you have in life, that matters.'
Aaron Schwartzman and Brayden Bowers to appear in 'Bachelor In Paradise' Season 9
Aaron Schwartzman and Brayden Bowers are all set to appear in Season 9 of 'Bachelor In Paradise'. Brayden had a dramatic and controversial appearance in 'The Bachelorette' but is ready to give love another chance on the upcoming show.
Brayden and Aaron surely had a lot of romance and adventures on the show. The upcoming season will feature former 'Bachelorette' lead Rachel Recchia and an appearance by Season 17 lead Katie Thurston.
Who is 'The Bachelorette' alum Aaron Schwartzman?
Aaron Schwartzman is a 33-year-old firefighter from San Diego, California. He pursued Agriculture at California State University for a year.
He graduated from Mission College, studying fire science or fire fighting. He attended went to WestMed College to pursue a career as a paramedic.
Who is 'The Bachelorette' alum Brayden Bowers?
Brayden is a travel nurse who competed in Charity Lawson's Season 20 of 'The Bachelorette'. Brayden became the breakout villain of ABC's show by flaunting eye-catching earrings and appearing arrogant.
He completed his service in the US Army in May 2023. Brayden spends his free time traveling, working out, fishing, and hanging out with his dog and friends.
