Heroic Rescue and Tragic Loss in the Bering Sea

An astonishing and heartbreaking rescue unfolded in the frigid waters of the Bering Sea when a teenager was saved after nearly two days stranded on an overturned fishing skiff. Derek Parker Aghnaanga, a 15-year-old from Alaska, endured the harsh cold following a fishing trip that turned deadly.

Aghnaanga’s rescue occurred about four miles east of St. Lawrence Island. He, along with his 35-year-old brother Sidney Kulowiyi and their cousin, faced peril when their vessel capsized during the outing. Unfortunately, both his brother and cousin were lost to the sea, a fact Aghnaanga recounted through chattering teeth to his rescuers.

“Through the teeth chattering, he had mentioned that his brother was still under the skiff,” said Adam White, captain of the Northwest Explorer.

Tragically, Aghnaanga tried in vain to hold onto his family members after they passed away. A GoFundMe page, organized by relatives, highlighted the young survivor’s desperate attempt to cling to them.

The U.S. Coast Guard coordinated his rescue effort. An HC-130 Hercules aircrew from Air Station Kodiak provided essential supplies and survival equipment and deployed flares to guide the Northwest Explorer to Aghnaanga’s location.

Crew members aboard the Northwest Explorer successfully reached Aghnaanga, who showed signs of hypothermia. They quickly administered warm blankets and hot packs as they transported him to the nearby town of Nome. The somber mission also involved retrieving the bodies of his brother and cousin.

The three family members had departed from Savoonga, an Alaska Native village, on a fishing expedition. Their return was scheduled for early Sunday, yet by nightfall, they were reported missing, prompting an intensive search.

Colleen Walker, an aunt, remembered Kulowiyi as a modest leader in their community. He served as a dedicated commercial fishing captain and vital provider in Savoonga, a village of about 800 residents where halibut fishing plays a central role.

The rescue operation brought a mix of relief and sorrow. “We all cried and jumped for joy,” Walker said, describing the moment they learned about Aghnaanga’s survival.

Kulowiyi left behind grieving children. A family fundraiser had already collected over $42,000, nearing its $45,000 goal, demonstrating the community’s support.

Rear Adm. Bob Little of the Coast Guard Arctic District expressed condolences, acknowledging the profound loss felt by the families involved. The coordinated search efforts were strenuous, yet crucial, involving multiple agencies, including the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing, and state troopers.

The specific cause of the vessel’s capsizing remains unknown, leaving unanswered questions for the family and community.

Bradford Betz of Fox News Digital covers breaking news related to crime and political issues.