Family survives 2 days stranded on Utah river, credits faith

The names of a Colorado pastor and his family who were rescued after crashing their kayaks into boulders along a Utah river and spending two days in a steep canyon have been released.

KMGH-TV reports Jay Vonesh, his wife, Julie, their two teenage daughters and the family dog were rescued from the Escalante River on Sunday. A Department of Public Safety helicopter searching for a missing kayaker had spotted the family desperately waving their arms.

They were found safe and didn’t need medical attention.

Authorities say the family from Bailey, Colorado, was able to scoop up their food and gear after crashing and managed to make it onto the banks of the river.

They ate food retrieved from their overturned boats.

Vonesh called the incident terrifying but says they were able to make it because of an “answered prayer.”