A 15-year-old Alaska boy has survived an extraordinary 62-hour ordeal at sea after the small fishing boat he was traveling in capsized near St. Lawrence Island.

Derek Parker Aghnaanga had been fishing with his older brother and cousin when the skiff overturned on September 4, leaving the teenager stranded in the cold waters of the Bering Sea.

What followed was a desperate fight to survive.

🌊 THREE DAYS LOST AT SEA

Family members said Derek tried to remain with his brother, Sidney Kulowiyi, and cousin, Barton Rookok, for as long as he could after the accident.

According to relatives, the teenager endured freezing temperatures, exhaustion, dehydration and a lack of food and water while remaining with the overturned vessel.

Family members have said a fishing line may have become tangled in the boat’s motor, possibly contributing to the capsizing. The exact circumstances remain part of the investigation and rescue account.

Sidney, 35, was the boat’s captain. Family members said he became trapped beneath the overturned skiff.

Barton, 34, remained with Derek for about a day before eventually entering the water and dying, according to relatives who spoke with local media.

🙏 “HE LIVED ON PRAYER”

Derek’s mother, Vina Kulowiyi, said her son later described spending the ordeal praying.

“He lived on prayer with no food and water,” she wrote in a social-media post, describing how her son had remained focused on surviving despite the unimaginable conditions.

For the teenager, every hour became a test of endurance.

He had no normal access to food or fresh water and was exposed to the cold for days while waiting for help to arrive.

🚨 THE SEARCH FINALLY FINDS HIM

After the family realized the fishing party had not returned, Alaska State Troopers notified the Coast Guard.

On September 7, around 10:30 a.m., a Coast Guard crew spotted Derek sitting on the capsized boat.

A nearby fishing vessel, the Northwest Explorer, was asked to assist with the rescue. The vessel was carrying scientists at the time and was close enough to help.

The crew carefully brought Derek aboard and immediately began helping him recover from the effects of the ordeal.

Rescuers wrapped him in blankets, kept him talking and began the journey toward Nome, where he could finally be reunited with his family.

❤️ A FAMILY FACING BOTH LOSS AND HOPE

The rescue brought enormous relief — but the family was also mourning the loss of two loved ones.

Sidney and Barton did not survive the accident.

Yet amid the grief, the family shared another deeply emotional moment.

On September 7, the same day Derek was rescued, a new baby was born into the family.

Derek’s mother revealed that the newborn had been named Dale Sidney Scott Salleka Kulowiyi Jr., honoring her oldest son Sidney.

The baby will grow up carrying the name of an uncle he will never have the opportunity to meet.

🕊️ THE BOY WHO CAME HOME

Derek’s rescue has now become a story of survival, family and hope amid devastating loss.

After spending more than two days at sea, the teenager was finally brought to safety.

His family says he is now recovering and catching up on much-needed sleep after the ordeal.

The story has also prompted an outpouring of support. A GoFundMe campaign established to help the family with funeral expenses and recovery costs has received significant donations.

For a family facing an unimaginable loss, Derek’s survival offers one small but powerful source of hope.

After 62 hours in the cold waters of the Bering Sea, the 15-year-old finally made it home.