The United States Coast Guard confirmed this Sunday the death of a third victim of the tragic nautical accident that occurred off Hibiscus Island in Miami last Monday.
It is about a 10-year-old girl who had been in critical condition since last Monday at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she passed away surrounded by her family.
“We continue to deeply mourn all those affected by the tragic incident on Monday, especially with the passing today of another girl from Miami,” declared Captain Frank Florio, commander of Sector Miami.
The investigation into the incident, which involves a commercial barge and a sailboat with six minors onboard, is now expanding with the participation of experts from Argentina, the home country of one of the victims, and an invitation has also been extended to the National Maritime Authority of Chile. The Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to a "thorough and transparent" investigation.
The accident occurred on Monday, July 28, around 11:00 a.m., when a barge collided with a small sailboat off Hibiscus Island.
On the boat were five girls, aged between 7 and 13 years, and a young counselor who was 19, all participants in the summer camp of the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation.
The collision caused the sailboat to sink quickly. The six occupants were thrown into the water and rescued by emergency teams from multiple agencies, although some were trapped underneath the barge, according to initial reports.
Two of the minors, Mila Yankeleich, 7 years old (from Argentina), and Erin Victoria Ko Han, 13 years old (of Chilean origin), passed away shortly after the rescue. The third victim, whose identity has not yet been officially disclosed, died this Sunday after several days of battling in intensive care.
Three other young girls survived the incident. One of them, aged 8, has already been discharged; another, aged 11, is still hospitalized; and both the 12-year-old girl and the 19-year-old counselor received care on-site without needing hospitalization.
What caused the accident?
The Miami-Dade County medical examiner confirmed that the deaths were caused by drowning.
The Coast Guard, in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), is investigating the incident. Alcohol and drug tests have already been conducted on the operators involved, with negative results.
It has not yet been reported whether charges will be filed. The authorities have requested citizen collaboration and are asking to send videos, photos, or testimonies to the email miamiIO@uscg.mil to help clarify what happened.
Meanwhile, a safety zone of 250 yards is maintained around the location where the sailboat remains submerged.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nautical Accident in Miami
How many girls died in the boating accident in Miami?
So far, three girls have lost their lives due to the boating accident off Hibiscus Island in Miami. The victims are Mila Yankeleich, age 7, Erin Victoria Ko Han, age 13, and a 10-year-old girl whose identity has not been officially disclosed.
What caused the accident between the barge and the sailboat in Miami?
The accident occurred when a barge collided with a small sailboat off Hibiscus Island. The collision caused the sailboat to sink rapidly, throwing the six occupants into the water. The deaths were attributed to drowning, as confirmed by the Miami-Dade County medical examiner.
Who is investigating the boating accident in Miami?
The investigation is being carried out by the United States Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Additionally, the collaboration of experts from Argentina and Chile has been requested, as they are the home countries of two of the victims.
How can citizens collaborate with the investigation of the boating accident in Miami?
The authorities have requested the cooperation of citizens by sending images, videos, and testimonies that may help clarify the accident. Citizens can submit this material to the email address miamiIO@uscg.mil.
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