Boy rescued off Alaska days after boat capsized and his brother and cousin died

A 15‑year‑old boy was rescued after his fishing boat capsized in the frigid Bering Sea off Alaska’s coast, while his older brother and cousin were lost in the incident.

Derek Parker Aghnaanga set sail last Friday with his 35‑year‑old brother, Sidney Kulowiyi, to catch halibut. Their mother, Vina Kulowiyi, told The New York Times that the group, which also included a cousin, departed from Savoonga on the northern coast of St. Lawrence Island. The Coast Guard said the skiff was expected to return early Sunday, but it never made it home.

Coast Guard aircraft began searching for the missing skiff on Monday after family members reported the trio missing the night before. Derek clung to the top of the overturned boat for days, according to Adam White, the captain of the fishing vessel that helped rescue him. A video of the rescue shows the teenager in a bright yellow jacket kneeling on the overturned skiff while crew members throw a line and pull the boat closer until they can hoist him into a rescue basket.

When Derek was finally brought aboard, he was suffering from hypothermia. The crew of the rescue vessel warmed him with blankets and hot packs. In a conversation with White, Derek mentioned that his brother was still trapped under the skiff and that his cousin had slipped away from the top of the boat the night before.

The bodies of Sidney Kulowiyi and 34‑year‑old cousin Barton Rookok were found near St. Lawrence Island after Derek was rescued. Alaska State Troopers identified the deceased. Derek’s mother described him as a “survivor” on Facebook, saying he was never afraid and had lived on prayer with no food and water during the ordeal.