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2 Girls Killed In Tragic July 4 Boat Accident Laid To Rest

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- It was a somber gathering Tuesday as family and friends mourned the loss of two young girls who died when a boat capsized near Oyster Bay on the Fourth of July.

A small white casket was carried out of St. Patrick's Church in Huntington at the funeral of Victoria Gaines. The 8-year-old was remembered as a quick-witted little girl with a big smile. She died a day short of her birthday.

"She was beautiful, in and out," one woman said. "Just a beautiful, cute little girl."

Family friend, 11-year-old Harlie Treanor, was eulogized at the same time at a funeral home a few miles away.

Both girls, along with 12-year-old David Aureliano, were trapped inside the boat's cabin when it went down just after 10 p.m on July 4 between Center Island and Lloyd's Neck in Cold Spring Harbor Bay, authorities said.

David Aureliano, Victoria Gaines And Harlie Treanor
David Aureliano, Victoria Gaines and Harlie Treanor. (credit: CBS 2)

The passengers were on their way back from the privately financed Dolan family fireworks show. The 24 others on board were rescued by other boaters in the area.

Aureliano's funeral was held Monday.

"It's devastating to lose a child. There is sorrow and pain but joy in knowing he was such a great kid," said the boy's cousin, Vito DeFao.

The Gaines family wants a law called "Victoria's Law" created in the young girl's name that would require licensing of boat owners and continuing education. New York State now only requires a boating safety course and does not license boat operators.

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