NORTH OGDEN, Utah – A boating tragedy at Bear Lake claimed the lives of four people, and two teens who survived after swimming for hours shared their story of survival–reportedly citing friendship and a song from “Finding Nemo” among the reasons they had the strength to keep going.
The boating accident occurred Monday afternoon and left four people dead after the vessel they were on capsized. Two teens, 13-year-old Tylinn Tilley and 13-year-old Tiffany Stoker, decided to try to swim to shore for help—and they survived long enough to be rescued.
The pairtold their story to Good Morning America, who reports Tiffany said the pair’s friendship kept them going despite the scary situation.
“If we would have let fear overtake us, we would have never been able to get out,” she told GMA.
As the pair attempted the miles-long swim to shore while wearing life jackets, they reportedly said prayers, massaged each other’s cramps and sang songs. Good Morning America reports the teens sang “just keep swimming” from the animated film “Finding Nemo.”
Tylinn told GMA having a friend helped her through the trying experience.
“It’s nice to have those friends who were really encouraging,” she said on Good Morning America. “If she was doubting the whole time, I don’t think any one of us would have been able to make it.”
Tiffany agreed, adding: “We’re unbreakable.”
Click here for the complete interview of the teens on Good Morning America.
The teens survived, along with Kathryn Capener. Lance Capener, 46, was pronounced dead at Bear Lake and the couple’s two daughters, 13-year-old Kelsey and 7-year-old Kilee, died overnight. The accident also claimed the life of 13-year-old Siera Hadley.
A candlelight vigil has been planned in honor of the victims at Orion Junior High School Saturday night.
Funeral services for Siera Hadley have been announced, with the funeral set for 11 a.m. on Monday at the Harrisville 5th Ward, located at 2360 North 600 West. A viewing will be held Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m as well as prior to services at the church, which are set for 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Additional information and Hadley’s obituary can be found here.
