The U.S. Coast Guard announced on Thursday that it has sent a case to the Department of Justice for possible criminal charges. This follows a tragic collision in July between a barge and a sailboat near Hibiscus Island, which resulted in the deaths of three minors and injuries to two others.

The Coast Guard’s Southeast District is citing 18 USC 1115, which addresses seaman's manslaughter, against those involved with the towing company that operated the uninspected vessel named Wood Chuck, which was pushing the barge during the accident.

“After thoroughly investigating the marine casualty, we have referred this case to the Department of Justice for criminal investigation to ensure full accountability and help prevent similar incidents in the future,” said Capt. Frank J. Florio, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami.

The collision occurred on July 28 when the barge hit a sailing vessel with six people on board near Hibiscus Island in Miami. The accident tragically took the lives of three children aged 7, 10, and 13.

Coast Guard Sector Miami was alerted about the collision by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue around 11 a.m., indicating that six individuals had fallen into the water. Miami Beach Fire Rescue arrived first, followed by multiple agencies including Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, City of Miami Fire Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Coast Guard Station Miami Beach.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed that initial reports suggested the barge struck the sailing vessel near Star Island in Miami Beach. The sailing vessel was left submerged under the barge after the impact.

Florio emphasized that the Coast Guard is dedicated to accountability and enhancing maritime safety. “Events like this have a profound effect on our maritime community and highlight the need to learn from every tragedy,” he stated. “We are committed to accountability, improvement, and ensuring shared safety on the seas.”

The case has now been passed to the Department of Justice for a criminal investigation. Florio mentioned that the Coast Guard's thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking event.