BODEGA BAY, Calif. (KGO) – A Buddhist vigil was held for five people who died on a fishing trip after their boat capsized in California. The only survivor was a 13-year-old boy who is now mourning his father.
It was a fishing trip that became a family tradition, but Prasong Khammoungkhoune, his 13-year-old son and four others went overboard when their boat capsized two weeks ago in bad weather in Bodega Bay. Only the 13-year-old survived, making it to shore hours later by clinging onto a cooler.
Family and friends gathered Saturday to mourn those who didn’t make it home.
“The monks chanting was more of a prayer that he would hear, that his soul will rest in peace and that he’ll find his way back to Bodega Bay,” said Prasong’s sister, Shanice Khammoungkhoune.
The father’s body, along with the bodies of two other victims, hasn’t been found.
“If his soul is trapped here, wandering in the ocean somewhere, I didn’t want that in my mind or in my heart. I want him to find some closure and that he would find some peace and comfort, so he can go on to the next journey of his life,” Shanice Khammoungkhoune said.
Prasong Khammoungkhoune’s mother, wife and his three children took part in the Buddhist ceremony. The last time his son Juladi, also known as Jude, saw him, he let go of the cooler the 13-year-old was in, so the teenager could reach the shore faster.
“I will be missing him, and his spirit lives in my body,” Jude said.
Prasong Khammoungkhoune’s nephew, Jonathan Chang, spoke at the vigil.
“He was a really good role model to the family and others he meets,” Chang said.
More than $72,000 has been raised for the family on GoFundMe. Chang says the community’s support has been important and impactful, especially since his uncle was his family’s sole provider.
“I just want to give my appreciation to the people who came out here and also appreciation to those who donated to support the family through a loss.”
On the boat with Prasong Khammoungkhoune and his son were Prasong’s cousin, Johnny Phommathep; his two sons, 17-year-old Johnny Jr. and 14-year-old Jake; and Johnny’s friend, Matthew Ong. The family of three of the other victims were invited to the vigil but did not participate.
Only the bodies of Johnny Jr. and Ong have been found.
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