Three Young Sailors Die After Barge Collides With Kid’s Sailboat in Miami

On July 28, 2025, a sailboat carrying five young campers and a teenage counselor was struck by a large barge near Hibiscus Island in Biscayne Bay, Florida.

The vessel was part of a youth camp run by the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation in association with the Miami Yacht Club, hosting children from ages 7 to 15 in their final week of camp. Emergency crews swiftly retrieved all six individuals from the water, but not before tragedy struck.

Three Young Lives Lost, Others Injured

Initially, two girls—aged 7 and 13—were pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital. By August 3, a 10-year-old girl also succumbed to her injuries, bringing the death toll to three. Two other children, ages 8 and 11, remain hospitalized in critical condition.

A 12-year-old camper and a 19-year-old instructor walked away with minor injuries. Every onboard child was confirmed to have been wearing a life jacket at the time of impact.

The victims identified include Mila Yankelevich (7), the granddaughter of Argentine TV producers, and 13-year-old Erin Ko Han, a bright trilingual student who had recently moved to Florida. Ten-year-old Arielle Buchman, initially in critical condition, tragically became the third victim of the crash.

Crash Caught on Camera, Questions Raised

Surveillance footage showed the chilling moment the barge collided with the small sailboat, dragging it under.

Witnesses described the impact as violent and chaotic. Children were thrown into the bay, leaving a trail of panic. One onlooker recounted seeing “all the kids go flying off” the sailboat.

Investigation Underway, Safety in Spotlight

Authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash.

The barge captain passed a sobriety test at the scene and has not been arrested. Investigators are reviewing boating logs, licenses, and communication records and have issued a temporary exclusion zone in the crash area to ensure public safety.

Families Grieve, Demand Answers

The families of the victims are heartbroken and demanding clarity. Erin’s father, Pil Jye Ko, remembered her cheerful spirit and the last words she said to her parents: “See you later, Mom and Dad.”

Mila’s family, deeply rooted in Argentina’s entertainment world, is mourning the young girl’s tragic death while calling for accountability and improved safety for sailing camps.

Why It Matters

This case has raised concerns about maritime safety, especially in busy recreational zones like Biscayne Bay.

While boating deaths happen annually, fatal collisions involving commercial barges and children’s sailing programs are rare. This heartbreaking event highlights the urgent need for tighter oversight and more secure boating regulations, particularly when young lives are at stake.

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