13-year-old Bodega Bay boat capsize survivor speaks to KRON4

(KRON) -- It’s been a week since a family fishing for crab in Bodega Bay went missing. Search efforts have ended, with only one body recovered so far.

The lone survivor is 13-year-old Jude Khamnoungkhoune from San Jose. He was on board with his father, uncle, two cousins, and a family friend. Jude shared that his dad, whom the family called ‘Song,’ loved fishing and had been taking him out on the water since he was five.

Jude told KRON4 he’s now living with his mom, with his aunt helping them adjust to life without his father.

“I manage it by staying strong and just focusing on what’s in front of me, not really the past unless I have to. I just decided to make good decisions and use my thoughts and brain to survive during the waves and wind,” said Khamnoungkhoune.

Authorities called off the search, and the next day, another boat capsized. They’re stressing water safety, especially with the start of recreational Dungeness crab season this month.

Jude’s father was a lifelong fisherman who started taking him out at five years old. “My dad was a really funny guy. He had a good personality. He would help the family with anything,” said Jude.

But on opening weekend for Dungeness crab, Jude, his father, uncle, cousins, and a family friend capsized; the waves were just too big. Jude said the family tried to steer the boat out of the waves, but water started flooding in.

“We had to put our life jackets on and jump overboard,” said Jude. The boat went under, and its size dragged them deep underwater. “I was kind of deep underwater until I swam my way up, taking in a lot of saltwater,” he recalled.

In a final heroic act, Jude’s father pushed him away in a cooler that came from the boat. His father let go of the cooler, leaving Jude alone and floating.

“Something that went through my head is that I need to make it to see my family. See another day,” Jude said.

He eventually washed ashore and found help the next morning, reuniting with his mom and aunt. Jude has missed a week of school since the accident but is eager to return, aware that he is the only survivor of that tragic day.

In the meantime, his aunt Shanice is supporting the family. They’re holding a vigil on Saturday, Nov. 16, and a GoFundMe has been set up to assist.