The 12‑ft trawler, named "Siren", set out from St Lawrence Island on September 5 for a routine fishing run. A sudden gale tore the fishing line from the engine, throwing the crew into the frigid waters, where the cold began to sap their strength within minutes.
Derek, 15, refused to let go of his brother and cousin, gripping their bodies as they drifted apart. He shouted for help, his voice swallowed by the wind and waves. Colleen Walker, his aunt, later shared the harrowing account on a GoFundMe page, describing how Derek held onto the bodies until the currents forced him to release them.
The U.S. Coast Guard located the overturned "Siren" approximately 4 miles east of St Lawrence Island on September 7, dropping a life raft and survival kit before a nearby vessel boarded Derek. Rear Admiral Bob Little commended the crews’ swift response, noting the critical role of the motor vessel "Northwest Explorer" in the rescue.
Derek was airlifted to the Alaska Regional Medical Center, where he remains in intensive care after suffering from hypothermia and dehydration. The Coast Guard has announced an investigation into the incident, with a full report expected within the next 48 hours. Families of the deceased mourn the loss of two young mariners, while the community rallies to support the survivor.