Teen rescued after clinging to capsized boat in Bering Sea, two others drown
A 16-year-old survived for several days on a capsized fishing vessel off St. Lawrence Island before being rescued, while his brother and cousin were found dead.
Coast Guard officials said a teenage boy was rescued on Monday after spending several days on an overturned 18-foot fishing boat in the Bering Sea. The group, consisting of the teen, his older brother and a cousin, left St. Lawrence Island on Friday and failed to return as expected on Sunday. Search operations began Sunday evening, and an aircrew located the survivor on the hull of the capsized vessel on Monday afternoon. Rescuers dropped a raft and survival gear and coordinated with the nearby vessel Northwest Explorer to bring the teen aboard; he showed signs of hypothermia.
"Our hearts go out to the families, friends and communities affected by the tragic loss of these two mariners," Rear Admiral Bob Little, commander of the Arctic district, said in a statement. "We are grateful for the incredible efforts of the motor vessel Northwest Explorer; federal, state, village first responders; and mission partners who assisted in the effort that resulted in a life saved."
Footage of the rescue shows the teen kneeling on the swaying hull before being pulled onto the rescue ship. According to the survivor’s brother, Darren Toolie-Noongwook, the boat’s motor became entangled in a fishing line, and the vessel capsized in bad weather. The brother said the cousin panicked and jumped into the water, drowning shortly after, while the teen remained on the overturned boat until he was found. The Coast Guard later recovered the bodies of the two deceased fishermen.