Bodega Bay, CA – According to KRON, 13-year-old Jude Khamnoungkhoune of San Jose is the only confirmed survivor of a boating accident off the coast of Bodega Bay on November 2, 2024, that claimed the lives of several family members.
The U.S. Coast Guard has concluded its search efforts, with the body of one teen recovered, while three adults and another minor remain missing.
Jude had joined his father, uncle, cousins, and a family friend on a crabbing trip for the opening weekend of Dungeness crab season. Shortly after they set out, their boat capsized in large waves. As water flooded in, the family donned life jackets and jumped overboard. Jude managed to reach the surface, having swallowed a significant amount of saltwater.
He described how his father’s last act was to push him toward a cooler that had floated free from the boat, before letting go of it himself. Clinging to the cooler through the night, Jude eventually washed ashore and was able to find help the following morning, later reuniting with his mother and aunt.
Jude, who has missed school since the accident, is focusing on moving forward, staying strong, and prioritizing immediate needs. His aunt Shanice, who is assisting him and his mother, shared that the family will hold a vigil on Saturday, November 16, to honor their loved ones.
Insurance Claims in Boating Accidents
When it comes to boat accidents, just like drivers are legally required to carry liability insurance for a motor vehicle, boat owners must also hold insurance coverage in case of accidental injuries for which they might share responsibility. This coverage applies to their passengers as well as those outside of the boat.
Claims like these are not intended to punish boat operators but simply to make sure their insurance provider properly compensates any who have been harmed in an accident. However, insurance companies are notorious for attempting to deny, delay, and minimize claims when doing so might save them money. The assistance of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can prove critical in holding insurance companies accountable.
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact Maison Law for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
