Missing teen found adrift at sea on overturned boat - USA Today

A teenager who went to sea in a fishing boat with two adult relatives was found alive, clinging to the top of the overturned boat off the coast of Alaska on Sept. 7.

The U.S. Coast Guard said the 15-year-old was the lone survivor after the boat overturned two days before. Two deceased people were taken unresponsive from the water and brought with the boy to Nome, Alaska.

The 18-foot fishing vessel had departed Savoonga on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, on Sept. 4 and was due back on Sept. 6. When it didn't return, the Coast Guard received a report of the three missing people the evening of Sept. 6.

Weather conditions prevented searchers from deploying that night, and crews began an operation to locate the missing people the morning of Sept. 7, the Coast Guard said.

The boat was found at about 10:30 a.m. local time on Sept. 7, about 4 miles east of St. Lawrence Island, the Coast Guard said. The boy, whose name was not released, was suffering from symptoms of hypothermia when he was found.

The rescue included helicopters and a good Samaritan boat that was nearby, called the Northwest Explorer.

The victims were identified as Sidney Kulowiyi, 35, and Barton Rookok, 34, both of Savoonga, according to Alaska State Troopers.

“Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and communities affected by the tragic loss of these two mariners," said Rear Adm. Bob Little, the commander of the Arctic District, in a statement. “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.”

Adam White, captain of the Northwest Explorer, told Alaska's News Source that the water in the Bering Sea was 50 degrees at the time. He said the teen had clung to the boat since Sept. 5 when it overturned.

“Through the teeth chattering, he had mentioned that his brother was still under the skiff and then he said that in the previous night before our rescue that his cousin had slipped away off the top of the skiff,” White told the outlet.

Savoonga, from which the fishing boat departed, has a population of about 835 people.