He was the owner and original captain of the Van Eltia ship. He was originally held captive at the prison island but escapes with Melchior's guidance. Van Aifread respects his crew members and is said to be "a person like the sea" by Benwick. He has a very bold personality and is said to admonish Eizen at times. He is said to have cursed his own ship. During the day of the gate opening, he saw Eizen.
He left purple treasure caches throughout Xillia, before disappearing while searching for the edge of the world.