Boy, 15, who survived 62 hours lost at sea shares harrowing details after his rescue
A 15-year-old boy has been rescued after surviving days on top of a capsized boat in Alaska's Bering Sea.
On Friday, September 11, Derek Parker Aghnaanga, 15, his older brother, 35-year-old Sidney Kulowiyi, and their 34-year-old cousin set sail from St Lawrence Island on an 18-foot open boat in a bid to catch some halibut.
However, when they didn't return by their expected return date on Sunday to their village of Savoonga, a search was launched by the US Coast Guard.
On Monday morning at around 10:30am, a Coast Guard aircrew found Derek sitting on top of the overturned boat surrounded by waters reaching temperatures of around 10C, confirmed by petty officer third class, Nathan Bishop, as per Sky News.
Advert
A nearby fishing vessel pulled him to safety and also helped able to recover the bodies of his brother and cousin who lost their lives.
Commander of the Coast Guard's Arctic District, Rear Adm. Bob Little, said, as quoted by BBC: "Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and communities affected by the tragic loss of these two mariners."
Aghnaanga spoke with authorities following his rescue, reportedly telling captain Adam White of the Northwest Explorer that his cousin had 'slipped away' the previous night after also trying to stay on top of the oversized boat.
Captain White continued to KTUU-TV: "That's one tough kid. Through the teeth chattering, he had mentioned that his brother was still under the skiff."
Aghnaanga experienced symptoms of hypothermia after being pulled from the boat, but received care from the fishing boat crew including hot packs and blankets.
Vina Kulowiyi, Aghnaanga's mother, took to Facebook following her son being returned.
She wrote: "My survivor. His story is amazing. He was never afraid the whole time. He knew he would be OK knowing his big brother was under the boat.
"Four days and three nights. He lived on prayer with no food and water. Love you son he said he sat like this praying the whole time."
She also paid tribute to her elder son who lost his life.
The mother shared a video alongside the caption: "This was my sons life. Always ready to rescue anyone in need. Here he is rescuing a boat that was having motor problems. Rest Easy my son."
The mom also noted in another post: "My boys were born and raised to be providers. A tradition that is passed on. [...] We don't always have meat at our one and only store. We hunt and provide for families and share the community. My son lost his life doing what he loves out in the sea."
Indeed, halibut fishing is reported as being an integral part of life in Savoonga village.
The village is home to around 800 residents and relies on fishing to provide for them all.
Aghnaanga is now said to be recovering at home.
Topics: World News
Poppy Bilderbeck