13-year-old survives in cooler after boat capsizes, killing his father and 4 others
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) - A 13-year-old California boy is the only survivor of a deadly boat trip he went on with his father, uncle and other family members. Their boat capsized while they were crabbing, sending them all into the water.
Juladi “Jude” Khammoungkhoune, 13, says it was “very cold and windy” as he, his father and four others were crabbing in Bodega Bay last Saturday. Their boat capsized, sending everyone overboard. Wearing a life jacket, Jude says he crawled into a cooler. His father was also hanging on until he let go so his son could reach the shore faster.
“It was pretty terrifying to see my dad go too soon,” Jude said.
It took hours before the 13-year-old reached the beach in the pitch black darkness.
“So, I prayed to Jesus Christ and all of my family members that I can make it out alive and get to see my family and everybody that I know,” Jude said.
The tired teen slept on the shore and waited until daylight before walking to get help.
For days, rescue crews have searched for Jude’s father Prasong, his uncle Johnny, Johnny’s two teenage sons and a family friend. The body of one of Johnny’s sons, who was 17, has been found.
Through this time of grief and uncertainty, Jude is remaining positive. He has been surrounded by family in his San Jose home as he recovers from the ordeal.
“It was like a good dream because I actually wanted to see my family again. It’s a really good thing I’m back with my family ‘cause I’m happy to see my family, and every one of my family members are supporting me throughout this journey without my father,” Jude said. “I at least get to live a longer life.”
One of those family members is his aunt, Shanice Khammoungkhoune.
“I focus on the kids to try to see what their needs are and how they’re going to make it,” she said.
The family created a GoFundMe to support Jude, his two younger siblings and his mother as they mourn. Jude’s father was their main provider.
“He was a pretty funny guy. He was there for us, and he would do anything, especially for our family,” Jude said.
With a wall full of his father’s fishing rods, Jude plans to return to the water one day and continue doing something he and his father loved.
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