Tugboat captain charged in deadly Miami boat collision

Three girls killed when barge struck sailboat carrying campers

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:22pm

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A tugboat captain has been charged with manslaughter after a crash involving a barge and a sailboat carrying campers in Miami last summer, which killed three girls. Yusiel Lopez Insua, 46, of Miami, was piloting the tugboat pushing a barge when it struck the sailboat near Hibiscus Island, drowning three girls aged 7, 10, and 13 who were participating in a sailing camp.

Why it matters

The tragic incident has raised concerns about maritime safety rules and the need for proper procedures to be followed, especially when large commercial vessels are operating in areas with recreational boaters. It also highlights the importance of safety protocols for youth sailing programs.

The details

According to prosecutors, Insua's forward view was obstructed by a deckhouse and crane, and no one on the vessel was assigned as a lookout. The sailboat had stalled and lost wind, drifting into the barge's path. The three girls were trapped in the wreckage and drowned, while a fourth girl was hospitalized and later released. The survivors on the sailboat escaped after being dragged under the barge.

  • The incident occurred on July 28, 2025.
  • Insua was charged with seaman's manslaughter on April 2, 2026.

The players

Yusiel Lopez Insua

A 46-year-old Miami resident who was the captain of the tugboat involved in the collision.

Mila Yankelevich

A 7-year-old girl who was killed in the collision.

Arielle Buchman

A 10-year-old girl who was killed in the collision.

Erin Ko

A 13-year-old girl who was killed in the collision.

Miami Yacht Club

The organization that was hosting the sailing camp for children aged 7 to 15, where the victims were participating.

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What they’re saying

“Our client remains deeply saddened by the tragic boating accident that resulted in the loss of three young lives. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, while recognizing that no words can lessen the pain caused by this terrible tragedy.”

— Walter A. Reynoso, Attorney representing Yusiel Lopez Insua

“Our hearts are with the families of the children who lost their lives in this tragedy. This information alleges a preventable loss of life on our waterways, including the failure to follow basic maritime safety rules and cellphone use during transit at or near the time of the collision.”

— Jason A. Reding Quiñones, U.S. Attorney

What’s next

If convicted, Insua faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the importance of strict adherence to maritime safety protocols, especially when commercial vessels are operating in areas with recreational boaters. It also underscores the need for robust safety measures and oversight in youth sailing programs to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.