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

Mar. 15, 2025

Juladi “Jude” Khammoungkhoune (left) with family.Photo:GoFundMe

GoFundMe

A 13-year-old boy is thesole survivorof 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 theSonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

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.

“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 aGoFundMe campaignstarted 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.”

source: people.com