Story perspectives

Coast Guard Rescues 15-Year-Old After Two Days Adrift

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 10:47 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Coast Guard rescued 15-year-old Derek Parker Aghnaanga after two days on a capsized skiff.
A Coast Guard HC-130 located him at about 10:30 a.m. Monday, four miles east of St. Lawrence Island.
The teen showed hypothermia symptoms as water temperature was about 10 °C (50 °F).
Rear Adm. Bob Little said the Arctic District coordinated the search and a fundraiser raised over $42,000.

History

Historical Context

In 1919 the Revenue Cutter Bear used a new wireless telegraph to rescue the steamship Mackinaw off Point Barrow, saving thirty crew and $10,000 in salvage. That year the United States completed the Polar Bear Expedition’s withdrawal from North Russia, a campaign that had incurred over 210 casualties. The legacy links early Arctic rescue to today’s Coast Guard HC-130 search near St. Lawrence Island.

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Story summary

U.S. Coast Guard rescued 15-year-old Derek Parker Aghnaanga after two days on a capsized skiff.
A Coast Guard HC-130 located him at about 10:30 a.m. Monday, four miles east of St. Lawrence Island.
The teen showed hypothermia symptoms as water temperature was about 10 °C (50 °F).
Rear Adm. Bob Little said the Arctic District coordinated the search and a fundraiser raised over $42,000.

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