A Tragic Day on Biscayne Bay: A Sailing Accident Claims Two Young Lives
The vibrant waters of Biscayne Bay, usually a scene of joyful activity, were tragically marred on July 28th, 2025, by a devastating accident. A seemingly innocent sailing lesson for young children took a horrifying turn when a small sailboat collided with a barge, resulting in the deaths of two young girls and leaving others with serious injuries. This event has shaken the Miami community and sparked a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
The Collision and its Aftermath
A Day of Fun Turned to Tragedy
The accident unfolded around 11:15 a.m. near Hibiscus and Monument Islands. A sailboat, part of a youth sailing program run jointly by the Miami Yacht Club and the Youth Sailing Foundation, was carrying six children and a 19-year-old counselor. The impact with the barge was forceful enough to throw all six children overboard, with some becoming trapped beneath the barge’s structure. The swift response of multiple emergency services agencies – including Miami Beach, City of Miami, and Miami-Dade crews – was crucial in rescuing the children from the water.
Immediate Casualties and Critical Injuries
Sadly, two young girls perished at the scene. Seven-year-old Mila Yankelevich, the granddaughter of prominent Argentine television producers Cris Morena and Gustavo Yankelevich, was one of the victims. The second victim, a 13-year-old girl identified by Chile’s San Pedro Nolasco School as Erin Victoria Ko Han, was mourned by the school in an official obituary, though US authorities are yet to formally confirm her identity. Two other girls, aged 8 and 11, were pulled from the water in critical condition and rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital. A 12-year-old girl and the counselor survived without hospitalization.
Witness Accounts and Emotional Toll
The impact of the accident was profoundly felt by all involved. Eyewitnesses, including a 9-year-old boy, described the horrific scene, recounting how the children were flung from the boat upon impact. Another child vividly recalled hearing the terrified screams of a girl trapped under the barge. These harrowing accounts highlight the intense emotional trauma experienced by those who witnessed the tragedy.
The Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
Official Response and Grief
The US Coast Guard is leading the investigation, vowing full transparency and a commitment to providing answers to the grieving families. Commander Frank Florio expressed the agency’s shared grief and determination to uncover the cause of the accident. The tugboat captain is undergoing substance testing, and authorities are diligently reviewing all available evidence and conducting interviews. The sailboat remains submerged under the barge, with a 250-yard safety zone established while recovery operations continue.
A Community in Mourning
The Miami Yacht Club issued a statement expressing its profound sorrow and solidarity with the Youth Sailing Foundation, emphasizing the close-knit nature of their sailing community and acknowledging the loss of young sailors they consider part of their “family”. As a mark of respect and to facilitate the ongoing investigation, the club has temporarily closed its campus and all affiliated facilities.
The Yankelevich family, known for their contributions to the entertainment industry, is navigating an unimaginable tragedy. Friends described Mila as a bright and joyful child who loved singing, dancing, and dressing up. The family has understandably chosen to remain private during this difficult time.
Looking Ahead
The accident has left an enduring mark on the Miami community and beyond. While the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the families who have suffered such devastating losses. The hope is that the findings of the investigation will shed light on what happened and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. In the meantime, the community mourns the loss of two young lives taken too soon.
