MIAMI — An investigation into the fatal crash between a sailboat and barge in Biscayne Bay over the summer could now lead to criminal charges.
The crash, which involved a Miami Yacht Club youth sailing camp boat and a barge, happened on the morning on July 28 in the waters off Hibiscus Island in Miami Beach.
According to authorities, a counselor and five children were aboard the sailing camp boat and were thrown off after it was hit by the barge just before 11:30 a.m.
Three girls – 7-year-old Mila Yankelevich, 10-year-old Arielle Buchman and 13-year-old Erin Ko Han – were killed. A 7-year-old girl, later identified as Calena Areyan Gruber, was injured but survived and was later released from the hospital.
The counselor, a 19-year-old woman, and a 12-year-old girl were safely pulled to shore.
On Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard Southern District announced the case was being referred to the U.S. Department of Justice to seek possible criminal charges against the towing company, which had an “uninspected towing vessel,” the “Wood Chuck,” that was being used at the time of the crash.
“After conducting a thorough marine casualty investigation, we’ve referred this case to (the) Department of Justice for criminal investigation to ensure full accountability and help deter similar cases in the future,” Coast Guard Sector Miami Commander Capt. Frank J. Florio said in a statement. “As the process moves into this new phase, our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragic incident.”
According to the release, “The Coast Guard is referring the case for 18 USC 1115, seaman’s manslaughter, against parties involved in the towing company.”
Earlier this year, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of one of the surviving victims, which stated that the barge and tugboat were registered to a company named Waterfront Construction, which is owned by businessman Jorge Rivas.
The Miami Yacht Club and its Youth Sailing Foundation were also named in the lawsuit.
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