Woman killed, several hurt in Miami boating accident

FWC investigates crash at Matheson Hammock Park and Marina

MIAMI – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating a boating accident that killed one woman and sent two others to the hospital Saturday night.

The crash happened shortly after 10 p.m. near the Matheson Hammock Park and Marina at 9610 Old Cutler Road. The Coast Guard, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Coral Gables Fire Rescue all assisted with this call.

Jorge Pino, a spokesperson for FWC, told Local 10 News a larger vessel was traveling northbound on the intercostal waterway when it collided with a smaller vessel that was heading south in the water about a mile from Matheson Hammock Marina.

"Everybody described the scene as chaotic," Pino said. "Officers responded because of a flare."

The Coast Guard said the two vessels involved were a 68-foot motor yacht and a 27-foot pleasure craft. The collision caused the smaller boat to capsize, sending its occupants into the water and injuring all three.

FWC told Local 10 CPR was conducted on the worst of the victims, 29-year-old Maria Del Valle, who was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital. She was confirmed dead just after midnight.

"She was my best friend and sister," said Yadiana Rios of Del Valle.

The two others who were injured were Maykel Perdomo, 33, the father of of Del Valle's youngest child, who is reported to be in stable condition, and Dayron Baralt, 23, who is said to be in critical condition.

Both men remain at local hospitals.

Rios, who was invited on the boat trip, said Perdomo tried to save Del Valle but couldn't. She said she knows she's lucky to be alive.

FWC officers brought a man identified as the driver of the larger vessel, believed to be responsible for the collision, to the marina where a sobriety test and blood draw were performed. Coral Gables Fire Rescue took blood to test for a blood-alcohol level. 

The smaller vessel was towed into Matheson Hammock Marina early Sunday morning. The larger vessel will remain anchored at the location of the crash and treated as a crime scene.

The cause of the crash is still undetermined and under investigation. The identities of those involved have not been released.

Watch Local 10 News and refresh Local10.com for updates on this developing story.

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About the Authors:

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.