MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard provided an update Tuesday on a deadly boat crash in Biscayne Bay.
The wreck, involving a Miami Yacht Club youth sailing camp boat and a barge, happened Monday morning in the waters off Hibiscus Island in Miami Beach.
6 p.m. report:
A counselor and five children were aboard and were thrown off after the barge hit their boat just before 11:30 a.m., authorities say.
Two girls, aged 7 and 13, were killed. An 8-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl remained in critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon.
The counselor, a 19-year-old woman, and a 12-year-old girl were safely pulled to shore.
Authorities have not released the identities of anyone involved.
Capt. Frank Florio, the commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami, said the captain of the tug and barge has been interviewed but would not divulge what was said. He said the captain underwent drug and alcohol testing and it’s believed the barge was supporting construction operations.
He said it is also believed the victims were all wearing life jackets.
“Our investigation needs to confirm that, but as of now, we believe the girls were wearing life jackets,” Florio said.
He promised to get answers for the families and communities.
“Our hearts are with the families of the victims, and we stand united in grief and resolve,” Florio said, saying the Coast Guard “has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine exactly what happened, to understand the contributing factors and to learn from this law so we can help prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Attorney Brandon Volk, who specializes in maritime law, spoke to Local 10 News’ Christian De La Rosa on Tuesday.
“A tug boat that’s pushing a barge can be said to be restrictive in its maneuverability,” said Valk.
He explained the weather at the time of the crash may also play a role in the investigation.
“Now a sailboat that doesn’t have much wind behind it can be said to be restricted in its mobility,” Valk said. “It may even come down to a judge determining who had the right of way.”
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