SAN JOSE, Calif. ( KRON ) — It’s been a week since a family fishing for crab in California’s Bodega Bay went missing. Search efforts have ended, with only one body recovered so far.
The lone survivor is 13-year-old Jude Khamnoungkhoune from San Jose. The U.S. Coast Guard initially said that he was believed to be about 11.
Jude joined his father, uncle, cousins, and a family friend on their boat during opening weekend for Dungeness crab on Saturday, Nov. 2.Video shows man trying to kidnap child walking with father, NYPD says
It wasn’t long before their boat capsized amid large waves. Jude told Nexstar’s KRON the family tried to steer the boat out of the waves, but water started flooding in.
“We had to put our life jackets on and jump overboard,” said Jude. As the boat went under, its size dragged them with it. “I was kind of deep underwater until I swam my way up, taking in a lot of saltwater.”
In a final heroic act, Jude said his father pushed him away in a cooler that came from the boat. His father let go of the cooler, leaving Jude alone and floating.
“Something that went through my head is that I need to make it to see my family. See another day,” Jude said. He eventually washed ashore and found help the next morning, later reuniting with his mom and aunt.
According to the Coast Guard, a teenager who had also been on the boat was pronounced dead. The search for a third minor and the three adults who were also on the boat was called off .Sheriff urges Wisconsin kayaker believed to have faked disappearance to contact family
Jude has missed a week of school since the accident but is eager to return, aware that he is the only survivor of that tragic day.
“I manage it by staying strong and just focusing on what’s in front of me, not really the past unless I have to. I just decided to make good decisions and use my thoughts and brain to survive during the waves and wind,” said Khamnoungkhoune.
Jude said he is now living with his mom, with his aunt helping them adjust to life without his father.
He told KRON that his father, whom the family called ‘Song,’ loved fishing and had been taking him out on the water since he was five.
“My dad was a really funny guy. He had a good personality. He would help the family with anything,” said Jude.
Jude’s aunt, Shanice, is supporting the family. They’re holding a vigil on Saturday, Nov. 16.
The story of the 13-year-old as the lone survivor of a tragic boating accident in California is both heartbreaking and a stark reminder of the unpredictability and potential dangers of water activities. This devastating incident highlights the importance of safety precautions, such as life vests and emergency preparedness, to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The survival of the young teenager amid such loss underscores the resilience that can emerge from even the most traumatic experiences. This event also calls for community support to help the young survivor and any other affected families cope with the profound grief and loss.
The tragedy of a 13-year-old becoming the lone survivor after a boat carrying family members capsized in California serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the need for safety and vigilance during water activities. Such incidents underscore the importance of life jackets, safety checks, and emergency preparedness to help prevent accidents and increase survival chances. The young survivor’s story is a testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable loss, and it calls for compassionate community support to help the child navigate this profound grief. This tragedy brings attention to water safety, reminding families to take extra precautions to protect their loved ones.