Parents of 3 Florida Girls Killed in Barge Crash Sue Operator

Lawsuit filed after tragic accident involving sailboat and commercial barge in Miami.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The parents of three young girls who died in a collision between a sailboat and a commercial barge in Miami last summer have filed a lawsuit against the barge company. The incident occurred during a Miami Yacht Club summer camp outing, resulting in the deaths of the three campers.

Why it matters

This tragic accident has raised concerns about safety protocols and oversight for commercial vessels operating in busy waterways near residential and recreational areas. The lawsuit seeks accountability and changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the barge operator failed to have proper lighting, signaling, and lookouts in place, contributing to the collision with the sailboat carrying the three girls, ages 12-14. The incident occurred at night in the Biscayne Bay area of Miami.

  • The accident occurred on July 18, 2025 during a Miami Yacht Club summer camp outing.
  • The lawsuit was filed on February 10, 2026, approximately 7 months after the incident.

The players

Miami Yacht Club

A recreational sailing club in Miami that operated the summer camp program where the three girls were participants.

Barge Company

The commercial barge operator whose vessel was involved in the fatal collision with the sailboat.

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What they’re saying

“We hope this lawsuit will lead to changes that make our waterways safer for all users, from commercial vessels to recreational boaters and sailors.”

— Sarah Thompson, Mother of one of the deceased girls (Miami Herald)

What’s next

A court date has not yet been set for the lawsuit, but the families are seeking damages and policy changes to improve safety protocols for commercial vessels operating in high-traffic areas.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for greater oversight and safety measures for commercial maritime operations, especially in areas with significant recreational boating activity, in order to prevent future loss of life.