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The 13-year-old survives in the cooler after the boat capsizes, killing his father and four other people

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — A 13-year-old California boy is the sole survivor of a deadly boat ride he took with his father, uncle and other family members. Their boat capsized while they were catching crabs and they all fell into the water.

Juladi “Jude” Khammoungkhoune, 13, says it was “very cold and windy” when he, his father and four others crabbed in Bodega Bay last Saturday. Their boat capsized and everyone fell overboard. Jude was wearing a life jacket and said he crawled into a cooler. His father also held on until he let go so that his son could reach the shore more quickly.

“It was pretty frightening to see my dad leave too soon,” Jude said.

Juladi “Jude” Khammoungkhoune, 13, is the sole survivor of a fatal boat trip he took with his father, uncle and other family members. Their boat capsized while they were catching crabs and they all fell into the water.(Source: Juladi Khammoungkhoune, KGO via CNN)

It took hours for the 13-year-old to reach the beach in the pitch black.

“So I prayed to Jesus Christ and all my family members that I could get out alive and see my family and everyone I know,” Jude said.

The tired teenager slept on the bank and waited until daybreak before going to get help.

Rescue workers have been searching for days 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 years old, was found.

During this time of sadness and uncertainty, Jude remains positive. He was surrounded by family at his home in San Jose as he recovered from the ordeal.

“It was like a beautiful dream because I actually wanted to see my family again. “It's really good that I'm back with my family because I'm happy to see my family and every member of my family supports me on this journey without my dad,” Jude said. “At least I can live a longer life.”

Rescue workers have been searching for Jude's father Prasong for days. He was a husband and father...
Rescue workers have been searching for Jude's father Prasong for days. He was a husband and father of three who loved fishing.(Source: Juladi Khammoungkhoune, KGO via CNN)

One of these family members is his aunt, Shanice Khammoungkhoune.

“I focus on the children and try to figure out what their needs are and how they can get there,” she said.

The family has set up a GoFundMe to support Jude, his two younger siblings and his mother in their grief. Jude's father was her primary provider.

“He was a pretty funny guy. He was there for us and would do anything, especially for our family,” Jude said.

With a wall full of his father's fishing rods, Jude plans to one day return to the water and continue doing something he and his father loved.

Copyright 2024 KGO via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.

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