A father has been praised after saving his 13-year-old son during a boat accident that killed him and five others.
Juladi "Jude" Khammoungkhoune was out crabbing with his loved ones: his friend, two cousins, uncle, and dad Prasong just off Bodega Bay, California on November 2 when the tragedy occurred.
Due to the harsh waves, the family's boat was violently flipped and plunged into the deep waters.
The quick-thinking dad ordered his son to hide inside a cooler that had been on the boat, ABC 7 News reported. He then held onto the icebox as long as he could, but eventually let go so Jude could float to safety - ultimately saving his life.
The teen slept on the beach after the cooler eventually reached the shore. He was found by first responders the following morning.
“It was pretty terrifying to see my dad go too soon,” Jude told the outlet. “I was crying and yelling out for my dad, so I could hear him say something again.
"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," he added.
A family member waiting for them back on land contacted the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office when they didn’t turn up on time. The agency then called the US Coast Guard.
Rescue crews searched for Prasong, Uncle Johnny and his two sons, and a family friend for days. Only the body of Johnny's 17-year-old son was recovered during the search. The rest of the family has yet to be found.
Search efforts officially concluded on November 3 after teams covered more than 2,100 square miles, per The New York Post.
After the traumatizing accident, Jude - who is now living with his mother Yathida, and his aunt Shanice - said he is "staying strong" and "focusing on what's in front of me".
A GoFundMe was set up by two of Prasong's nephews. The money will go towards funeral costs, grief counseling, and "other immediate needs as they try to move forward without him".
"He was a rock in our lives, raising us with love, laughter, and guidance. Now, we’re suddenly standing in his place, caring for his wife - our aunt - and his three young children," Kyle Souvanhnabouph penned.
"The ocean was his second home. But the waves were unrelenting, and their boat was lost to the water. The Coast Guard called off the search the next day, leaving us shattered, still holding on to the smallest hope for a miracle," Kyle shared.
"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," he added.
Prasong's family will honor his life at a November 16 vigil, per Daily Mail.
.jpg_7okWtP?tr=h-40)
.jpg_6py9Fp?tr=h-184)