In a harrowing rescue off the coast of Alaska, a 15‑year‑old boy from Savoonga survived three days on a capsized fishing skiff, while his brother and cousin died in the same incident.
Rescue operation
Captain Adam White of the rescue vessel Northwest Explorer spotted the teen kneeling on the overturned boat on Tuesday morning. “We saw the unusual object on the horizon and blasted our horn a couple times,” White said in a video captured during the operation. “We’ll swing around and grab you. Stay on your boat.”
White described the scene as “one tough kid” who held on from Saturday through Tuesday despite 10‑degree Celsius water and freezing winds. “It’s unbelievable, it’s remarkable, and it’s cold,” he added.
How the boy survived
The rescue crew approached the skiff, threw a line, and the teen, identified by his family as Parker, managed to pull himself toward the deck while deckhands hauled him aboard. “He still had enough strength to hold onto the line,” White noted.
Medical personnel on board provided heated blankets, rotating blankets, hot packs, and a mattress to combat the severe cold. Parker recounted that his brother was still trapped under the skiff and that his cousin slipped away the night before the rescue.
Tragic loss
The crew later recovered the bodies of Parker’s brother and cousin from the water. “When you look into a family member’s eyes, you feel both gratitude and sorrow,” White said, describing the emotional weight of the moment.
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Parker’s recovery and cover funeral expenses for his lost siblings.
Community response
Residents of Savoonga and surrounding villages expressed deep sympathy for the family, praising the rescue team’s swift action and the teen’s resilience. Local leaders emphasized the importance of safety measures for small‑boat fishing trips, especially in the harsh Alaskan winter.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the capsizing, reminding anglers to check weather forecasts and ensure proper equipment before heading out on the water.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
