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Parker Toolie-Noongwook survives days at sea after 18-foot fishing vessel capsizes off Alaska

A 15-year-old boy, Parker Toolie-Noongwook, survived for days atop an overturned 18-foot fishing vessel in the Bering Sea. The vessel capsized near St. Lawrence Island after departing Savoonga on Friday. While Parker Toolie-Noongwook was able to maintain his position on top of the skiff, his older brother, Sidney Kulowiyi, and his cousin, Barton Rookok, were killed in the water. Sidney Kulowiyi was the boat's captain and died after becoming trapped under the boat. Barton Rookok survived for a day alongside Parker Toolie-Noongwook before eventually drowning. The U.S. Coast Guard began searching for the overdue vessel on Sunday night, but weather conditions delayed the search until Monday morning. Lt. Cmdr. Jonathon Resch of the Coast Guard spotted Parker Toolie-Noongwook on Monday morning. The motor vessel Northwest Explorer, captained by Adam White, was coordinated to assist in the rescue. The crew of the Northwest Explorer reeled Parker Toolie-Noongwook in using a heaving line. Upon being rescued, the boy showed symptoms of hypothermia and was transported to Nome for medical attention and to be with his family.

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