A tugboat captain has been charged with seaman's manslaughter after a deadly collision in Biscayne Bay that resulted in the deaths of three children, as announced by federal prosecutors.

The incident happened on July 28, 2025, when 46-year-old Yusiel Lopez Insua from Miami was operating a tugboat that was pushing a barge loaded with construction debris. The tugboat collided with a stalled sailboat, which was carrying a group of children from a sailing camp.

Prosecutors claim that the tug and barge had obstructed forward visibility because of structures onboard, such as a deckhouse and crane. Additionally, there was no dedicated lookout on duty, which broke basic maritime safety rules.

At the time of the accident, the sailboat, which had one counselor and five kids aboard, lost its wind and became stuck right in the path of the approaching tug and barge. Authorities say Insua did not see the sailboat before the crash.

The collision was devastating. While the counselor and two children were able to escape after being pulled under the barge, three other children became trapped in the wreckage and drowned, according to investigators.

A forensic investigation of Insua's cellphone allegedly showed internet activity around the time of the collision, raising questions about his awareness while operating the vessel.

“This information points to a preventable loss of life on our waterways,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones from the Southern District of Florida. “We will present the evidence in court carefully and professionally.”

Insua faces a charge of seaman's manslaughter, which is a federal crime that could lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if he is convicted.

The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), along with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sector Miami and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, are leading the investigation. Local law enforcement agencies also received praise for their rescue efforts immediately following the incident.

The prosecution will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Gilfarb and Daniel Rosenfeld, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner Stiehl.

As with all criminal cases, these charges are allegations, and the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.