Alaskan Teen Rescued After Tragedy at Sea

An Alaskan teenager, Derek Parker Aghnaanga, survived 48 hours on a capsized fishing skiff. This event followed a fishing expedition that turned tragic due to the icy Bering Sea.

The 15-year-old was discovered Monday morning, stranded on the overturned vessel about four miles east of St. Lawrence Island. He had been on a fishing trip with his older brother, Sidney Kulowiyi, 35, and their cousin. Upon being rescued, Aghnaanga relayed disturbing news. He mentioned that his cousin had slipped away during the night and his brother was still beneath the overturned skiff.

Adam White, captain of the fishing vessel Northwest Explorer, told KTUU-TV about Aghnaanga’s chilling report despite his condition. A GoFundMe page created by family members shared that Aghnaanga had attempted to hold onto his relatives after they passed, until their bodies were found.

This image shows a teenager being rescued by a fishing vessel on September 7, 2026, in the Bering Sea. (Carlos Alexis Escartin via AP)

A U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules crew from Air Station Kodiak spotted Aghnaanga. They provided him with a survival raft, equipment, and employed flares to guide the Northwest Explorer to him. The crew successfully pulled him to safety and retrieved the bodies of his brother and cousin.

When rescued, Aghnaanga showed signs of hypothermia. Crew members enveloped him in blankets and applied hot packs as they transported him to Nome.

A 15-year-old survivor sits on a capsized vessel while being towed to safety, as shown in this September 7, 2026, image. (Carlos Alexis Escartin/Handout via Reuters)

The trio had left Savoonga — an Alaska Native village — on Friday, intending to return by early Sunday. When they did not return, family members alerted authorities, leading to a search by the Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers, and other agencies.

Colleen Walker, the brothers’ aunt, shared a moment of joy upon receiving news of Aghnaanga’s survival. Kulowiyi, the oldest sibling, was described as a humble fishing captain who supported the community, which valued halibut fishing.

A family-organized fundraiser raised over $42,000 towards a $45,000 goal to cover the expenses related to the tragedy and its aftermath.

Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and communities affected by the tragic loss of these two mariners — Rear Adm. Bob Little, Coast Guard Arctic District commander.

The Coast Guard Arctic District managed the search with help from the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing, and local authorities. It remains unclear why the skiff capsized.