15-year-old boy survives two days on capsized boat off Alaska

A 15-year-old boy named Derek Parker Aghnaanga fought for his life in the middle of the ocean for nearly two days after the boat he was fishing on capsized off the coast of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska.

The group, which set sail from the village of Savoonga on Friday, was expected to return on Sunday. However, after no word was received from the boat, family members reported them missing, and search and rescue operations were launched in the area.

After the boat capsized, Aghnaanga managed to climb onto the hull with his cousin. Despite the harsh weather conditions and the freezing water, the boy held onto the boat until he was spotted by aircraft participating in the search efforts.

Following the sighting, a nearby fishing vessel was notified. The crew safely brought Aghnaanga aboard using ropes and a basket. The boat's captain, Adam White, reported that when the boy was rescued, he was severely hypothermic and his teeth were chattering.

Aghnaanga, who showed signs of hypothermia, received initial treatment on the ship. The crew attempted to warm the boy with blankets and heating pads.

It was stated that after being rescued, Aghnaanga said his older brother had remained trapped under the capsized boat, while his cousin had been swept into the sea the previous night. As a result of the search and rescue teams' efforts, it was reported that the lifeless bodies of the youth's older brother, Sidney Kulowiyi, and his cousin were recovered.

News Source: 12punto