Teen Boy Rescued After Days Adrift in Alaskan Waters
BBC News reports on a heart-wrenching yet inspiring story: a 15-year-old boy, identified as Derek Parker Aghnaanga, was rescued after spending days alone atop a capsized boat in the frigid Bering Sea off Alaska.
The young man, along with his older brother and cousin, had set sail from St Lawrence Island on September 4th but failed to return as scheduled. The US Coast Guard launched a search and ultimately located Aghnaanga sitting on the overturned vessel on Monday morning.
He was pulled to safety by a good Samaritan vessel, which also recovered the bodies of his two relatives.
"Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and communities affected by the tragic loss of these two mariners," said Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander of the Coast Guard’s Arctic District.
Aghnaanga exhibited signs of hypothermia but was otherwise unharmed. According to the captain who rescued him, Adam White, the teen clung to the skiff through freezing temperatures and rough waters, where water temperatures hovered around 50°F (10°C).
The boy’s mother, Vina Kulowiyi, shared a post on Facebook describing her sons’ dedication to providing for their community.
"My boys were born and raised to be providers. A tradition that is passed on," she wrote. "We hunt and provide for families and share the community."
Aghnaanga is said to be recovering at home, having sat "praying the whole time" during his harrowing ordeal.
