Miami Tugboat Captain Charged in Deadly Biscayne Bay Crash

Prosecutors allege negligence and cellphone use led to collision that killed three young campers

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:30pm

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A 46-year-old Miami tugboat captain has been charged with seaman's manslaughter, a federal felony carrying up to 10 years in prison, for his alleged role in a deadly collision last summer that killed three young campers in Biscayne Bay. Prosecutors say Yusiel Lopez Insua was operating a tug pushing a large construction barge with his view blocked and no lookout assigned, and that he was browsing online marketplaces on his unlocked cellphone at the time of the crash.

Why it matters

The tragic incident has raised concerns about safety protocols and oversight for commercial vessels operating in busy waterways near populated areas, especially when carrying young passengers. It also highlights the dangers of distracted operation of large maritime equipment.

The details

On July 28, Insua's tug struck a 17-foot sailboat carrying five girls and a 19-year-old counselor from a Miami Yacht Club summer camp. Three girls, ages 7, 10, and 13, drowned after becoming trapped under the barge. The two other children and the counselor survived, though both young girls were seriously injured. Prosecutors say Insua had several 'near misses' in the area in the days before and did not slow or change course even after the sailboat's counselor stood up and yelled in an attempt to alert him.

  • The incident occurred on July 28, 2026.
  • The three girls, ages 7, 10, and 13, drowned in the collision.
  • Insua has been charged with seaman's manslaughter, a federal felony carrying up to 10 years in prison.

The players

Yusiel Lopez Insua

A 46-year-old Miami tugboat captain charged with seaman's manslaughter for his alleged role in the deadly Biscayne Bay collision.

Miami Yacht Club

The organization operating the summer camp that the young victims were participating in when the tragic incident occurred.

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What they’re saying

“Insua plans to accept responsibility and resolve the case without putting the families through additional pain.”

— Insua's attorney

What’s next

Civil suits against the barge's owner are ongoing, though the company's owner has not been criminally charged.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of safety protocols and attentive operation for commercial vessels, especially when carrying vulnerable passengers like children, and the devastating consequences that can result from negligence and distraction.