Teen rescued after fishing boat capsizes near Alaska, two relatives die
A 15-year-old boy was rescued by a Coast Guard-coordinated effort after his fishing boat overturned off St. Lawrence Island, while his older brother and cousin were found dead.
A 15-year-old boy was rescued on Monday after his fishing boat capsized about four miles east of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, leaving his older brother and cousin dead. The United States Coast Guard located the teen clinging to the overturned vessel after an aircrew launched a search on Sunday night following a report that the 18-foot boat was overdue.
The rescue was coordinated with the Northwest Explorer, a nearby vessel whose captain, Adam White, redirected his NOAA survey ship to the scene. White said his crew kept a close watch on the water and, when the boy came into view, “it was elation from everybody.”
"We were lucky enough because the kid was so tough, so strong that he was able to grab a hold of a heaving line that we threw to him," White said.
The teenager, described as wearing a black hoodie under a coat, was unable to reach nearby rafts and remained on the overturned hull about eight miles from his last known position. After being hoisted aboard, he was treated for moderate hypothermia before receiving medical care.
Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander of the Coast Guard Arctic District, expressed sympathy for the families and thanked the motor vessel Northwest Explorer and other responders for their role in saving the boy’s life.
"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," Little said.