13-Year-Old Survives Calif. Boat Accident That Killed a Teen, Left His Father and 3 Others Missing

A 13-year-old boy is the sole survivor of a fatal accident off the coast of California earlier this month, that left at least one person dead and four others missing.

A 21-foot white Bayliner boat carrying three adults and three children was reported overdue on the night of Saturday, Nov. 2, after traveling off the coast of Bodega to go crabbing, according to a news release from the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

Juladi “Jude” Khammoungkhoune said the boat capsized, sending him and five other passengers into the water, according to ABC affiliate KGO.

The 13-year-old said he climbed inside a cooler, which his father Prasong clung to as they floated.

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Eventually, Jude’s father let go of the cooler in hopes his son would reach shore sooner. 

"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 told the outlet.

Hours later, Jude reached shore, according to KGO. He slept there until daybreak, and then went to find help.

Jude’s brother, identified by the SCSO as 17-year-old Johnny Phommathep II, has since been found dead.

Authorities are still searching for Prasong, Jude’s uncle Johnny, Johnny's two sons and a family friend, per KGO.

Johnny’s wife Tiffany Phommathep described her missing husband to FOX affiliate KTVU as “a great dad” who previously served in the United States’ Air Force and works as a volunteer firefighter. Their 14-year-old son Jake is also missing.

“We hope they drifted onshore where they got out and can't get any help,” Tiffany said.

Meanwhile, Jude is thankful for the family members who have been supporting him “through this journey without my father.”

"It was like a good dream,” he said of reuniting with loved ones after the fatal incident, “because I actually wanted to see my family again, and it's a really good thing I'm back with my family cause I'm happy to see my family.”

More than $58,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign started to support Prasong’s family following the tragedy.

“Song filled his family’s life with joy, strength, and boundless love, bringing home his daily catch to share around the dinner table,” said Kyle Souvanhnaboupha, who organized the online fundraiser.

He added, “It brings a small comfort to know he was taken doing what he loved most, but his absence leaves a vast emptiness.”