A boy survives in a cooler after boat capsizes, losing his dad and four others.

Juladi, who goes by Jude, was the only one to survive among his family members when their boat overturned off the coast of California. The 13-year-old boy had been out crabbing with his family in Bodega Bay on November 2nd when a sudden wind caused the boat to capsize. In a frantic moment, Jude managed to put on a life jacket and crawl into a cooler to stay afloat.

Tragically, Jude's father and four other relatives did not make it out alive. His father, Prasong, held onto the cooler for as long as he could before eventually letting go so that his son could reach the shore faster. Jude recalled the terrifying experience, saying, "It was pretty terrifying to see my dad go too soon. 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."

After several hours, the cooler washed ashore and Jude, exhausted and traumatized, fell asleep on the beach. He waited until morning to seek help, and was eventually found by first responders who took him to the hospital. Meanwhile, a search and rescue effort involving eight local, state, and federal agencies was launched to find the other missing boaters.

Sadly, after hours of searching and covering over 2,100 square miles, the body of Jude's 17-year-old cousin, Johnny Phommathep II, was recovered. The search was then suspended on Sunday evening. US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Levi Read said, "The decision to suspend a search is always difficult to make and never done lightly." The father, Prasong, also known as Song, was a father-of-three, leaving behind his wife and two young children in addition to Jude.

A GoFundMe page was set up by Jude's family, describing the devastating loss and the miraculous survival of Jude. "Jude, his oldest son, miraculously survived, washing ashore after hours alone in the sea. Though we're endlessly grateful to have him safe, the family has lost its anchor." The fundraiser had received over $55,700 in donations as of Tuesday afternoon.

Jude, who is now back with his family, expressed his gratitude for their support during this difficult time. "It's a really good thing I'm back with my family because I'm happy to see my family. And every one of my family members are supporting me throughout this journey without my father." The family's tragic loss comes just over two years after another boating accident in New York City, where two people, including a seven-year-old boy, lost their lives when a boat capsized on the Hudson River.

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