The U.S. Coast Guard has referred a case to the U.S. Justice Department for potential criminal prosecution, following the tragic July 28 collision on Biscayne Bay near Hibiscus Island that killed three young girls taking part in a summer sailing camp and injured two others.
The Coast Guard’s Southeast District said Thursday it is seeking charges of seaman’s manslaughter against parties involved in the towing company operating the vessel and barge that struck the sailboat. The barge was being pushed by the vessel identified as the Wood Chuck.
The incident claimed the lives of 7-year-old Mila Yankelevich, 13-year-old Erin Victoria Ko Han, and 10-year-old Arielle Mazi Buchman, who died later in the hospital from her injuries. The girls were participating in their last week of sailing camp when the collision occurred…