13-Year-Old Lone Survivor Shares How a Cooler Saved His Life in Tragic Boat Capsize

By Kasun Thishara
November 11, 2024
10:17 GMT-0830
Boat capsize insident carlifornia

SAN JOSE, Calif. — A 13-year-old boy from San Jose, Jude Khamnoungkhoune, has emerged as the sole survivor of a tragic boating accident that claimed the lives of his father, uncle, and cousin during a family crabbing trip in Bodega Bay on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Source: KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco YT

The incident occurred when a powerful sneaker wave struck their 32-foot boat, flipping it and sending all 4 family members into the cold waters.

“We had to put our life jackets on and jump overboard,” said Jude. As the boat went under, its size dragged them with it. “I was kind of deep underwater until I swam my way up, taking in a lot of saltwater.”

As rescue teams scoured the area, only Jude was found alive. Authorities reported that, in a final act of heroism, Jude’s father pushed him into a cooler floating nearby, helping him stay afloat. It was reported that the boy spent 13 hours adrift before coming ashore. 

“I just had to hang on really tightly and let the waves get inside the cooler and push me to the shore,” he said. “And it was really cold and I was tired, so I just had to sleep on my life jacket and make do, so I could live.”

Describing his ordeal, Jude mentioned that he spent those terrifying moments praying and holding onto hope, despite the devastating loss of his loved ones. 

He recounted his words echoing both resilience and heartbreak.

“I prayed to Jesus Christ and all of my family members that I could make it out alive,” 

Jude’s survival story has captured the hearts of the San Jose community and beyond, as people come together to support him through the unthinkable loss. 

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department has since ended the search for additional survivors, concluding that the sneaker wave’s unexpected strength and the boat’s sudden capsize left little chance for rescue.

Jude’s story stands as a testament to human endurance and the unbreakable bond of family, even in the face of overwhelming tragedy. As San Jose mourns with him, Jude’s resilience shines through, a young survivor honoring the legacy of his loved ones in every breath he takes.