13-year-old lone survivor after boat carrying family members capsizes in California
In a final heroic act, Jude said his father pushed him away in a cooler that came from the boat.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) — It’s been a week since a family fishing for crab in California's 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. The U.S. Coast Guard initially said that he was believed to be about 11.
Jude joined his father, uncle, cousins and a family friend on their boat during opening weekend for Dungeness crab on Saturday, Nov. 2.
It wasn't long before their boat capsized amid large waves. Jude told Nexstar's KRON 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. As the boat went under, its size dragged them with it. “I was kind of deep underwater until I swam my way up, taking in a lot of saltwater.”
In a final heroic act, Jude said his 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, later reuniting with his mom and aunt.
According to the Coast Guard, a teenager who had also been on the boat was pronounced dead. The search for a third minor and the three adults who were also on the boat was called off.
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.
“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,” he said.
Jude said he is now living with his mom and his aunt helping them adjust to life without his father.
He told KRON that his father, whom the family called ‘Song,’ loved fishing and had been taking him out on the water since he was five.
“My dad was a really funny guy. He had a good personality. He would help the family with anything,” Jude said.
Jude's aunt, Shanice, is supporting the family. They’re holding a vigil on Saturday, Nov. 16.
What's Your Reaction?
