Rescue Operation Recovers Teen from Capsized Skiff in Bering Sea

An Alaska teenager named Derek Parker Aghnaanga survived almost two days clinging to an overturned fishing skiff in the Bering Sea. He was rescued near St. Lawrence Island after the vessel capsized during a fishing trip.

Aghnaanga’s brother, Sidney Kulowiyi, 35, and their cousin were also thrown into the frigid waters. Aghnaanga reported to his rescuers that during the night, his cousin slipped away, and his brother was trapped under the skiff. Aghnaanga’s efforts to hold onto his brother and cousin were explained in a GoFundMe page set up by family members.

“Through the teeth chattering, he mentioned his brother was still under the skiff,” said Adam White, captain of the fishing vessel Northwest Explorer.

A rescue team, including the U.S. Coast Guard, spotted the teenager on the capsized boat. They deployed a survival raft and equipment, then guided the Northwest Explorer to his location with flares. Crew members rescued Aghnaanga from the vessel and recovered the bodies of his brother and cousin.

Aghnaanga showed signs of hypothermia when rescued. Crew members used blankets and hot packs to warm him as the vessel transported him to Nome.

The family members reported the three missing after not returning from their planned fishing trip. The search involved the Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers, and local agencies.

Colleen Walker, an aunt of the brothers, highlighted Kulowiyi’s role as a humble fishing captain and a provider for their village, Savoonga. She described the family’s reaction upon hearing the rescue. “We all cried and jumped for joy when the captain announced on the radio, ‘We found a kid, he’s alive, he’s alive,'” Walker told The Associated Press.

The rescue operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies. The Coast Guard’s Rear Adm. Bob Little expressed condolences for the families affected by the tragedy.

Efforts to understand why the vessel capsized remain ongoing. The Coast Guard and Alaska State Troopers have not yet released information on the cause.