Teen boy rescued after days adrift in Alaskan waters

What the report says

A 15-year-old boy was rescued in Alaska’s Bering Sea after spending days on the roof of an overturned fishing boat, according to BBC World News. The teen, identified by relatives as Derek Parker Aghnaanga, was the only survivor from the skiff after his older brother and cousin died in the capsizing. The US Coast Guard said the three had left St Lawrence Island on Friday, 4 September, and were expected back the following Sunday afternoon, prompting a search when the vessel did not return.

A Coast Guard aircrew found the boy sitting atop the capsized boat on Monday morning. A nearby civilian vessel then brought him aboard and recovered the bodies of the two missing relatives. The Coast Guard said he showed signs of hypothermia when rescued. The report also quoted the captain of the rescue boat saying the teenager had endured cold conditions and remained with the skiff through the night.

The incident highlights the dangers faced by small-boat crews in Alaska’s remote and frigid waters, especially in areas where fishing is a major part of local life. In comments shared by the family on social media, the boy’s mother said the trip was part of a tradition of providing food for community members. BBC World News reported that Aghnaanga is recovering at home after the ordeal.