Miami, July 29, 2025 – A vessel collision claimed the lives of a 7-year-old and 13-year-old near Hibiscus Island Monday. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, four other girls were on the sailboat and two remain in critical condition.
The group on the sailboat was part of the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation summer camp.
“These children were doing something so pure — learning to sail, connecting with nature, and enjoying summer. The fact that their lives were cut short in such a violent and preventable way is beyond tragic. Our deepest sympathies go out to every family affected,” said Kristina Infante, Partner at Podhurst Orseck.
Surveillance video showed the tug and barge slamming into the sailboat on the water Monday morning.
The commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami said at a news conference that the captain of the barge was interviewed and video was being examined as part of the investigation.
“There is a duty of care that applies to every vessel on the water — especially in areas frequented by children learning to sail. If that duty was breached, those responsible must be held accountable under the law,” said Infante.
The tragic collision is sparking questions about visibility, operator awareness, and whether proper protocols were followed by the barge crew. Podhurst Orseck’s Pablo Rojas spoke about maritime safety, liability, and right of way on NBC6, Telemundo 51, and Clarín.
In 2021, a 38‑foot Chris‑Craft motorboat collided with Aaron Hirschhorn’s electric foil surfboard in Biscayne Bay.
The tech entrepreneur’s widow was represented by Podhurst Orseck in litigation alleging responsibility on the part of the motorboat operator.
Hirschhorn’s widow was awarded $66 million in arbitration from the boat owner and operator.
“Monday’s sailboat crash raises deeply troubling concerns about maritime safety. The victims deserve a thorough investigation of how this collision occurred — including whether proper safety protocols were followed, whether the crew maintained a proper lookout, and if any warning systems failed,” said Infante.
