A tugboat captain from Miami has admitted guilt to federal charges of seaman's manslaughter. He acknowledged operating a tugboat and barge with poor visibility, not having a proper lookout, and using his cellphone before a tragic collision that resulted in the deaths of three children who were part of a sailing camp in Biscayne Bay.
Yusiel Lopez Insua, 46, entered his plea in U.S. District Court. Prosecutors stated that his actions led to the accident on July 28, 2025, when a construction barge collided with a stalled sailboat carrying an instructor and five children.
Court records reveal that Insua was driving a 25-foot tugboat pushing a 108-foot construction barge across Biscayne Bay when the incident occurred. Prosecutors mentioned that the barge's forward view was blocked by a deckhouse and crane. Moreover, no crew member was designated as a lookout, which is essential for safety when visibility is limited.
Meanwhile, the sailboat lost wind and became stuck in the path of the incoming tug and barge. Due to the obstruction in Insua's view and the lack of a lookout, he failed to see the sailboat until it was too late, resulting in the barge running over it and trapping it underneath.
The sailing instructor and two children managed to escape after being dragged under the barge, but three other children tragically got trapped and drowned beneath the wreckage.
Federal investigators also discovered that Insua had been using his cellphone while navigating. A forensic analysis of his device revealed internet activity during the journey, including around the time of the collision.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida commented, “Three children lost their lives in a tragedy that never should have happened. Yusiel Lopez Insua failed to follow basic maritime safety rules, leading to this deadly crash.”
Capt. Frank J. Florio, the commander of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sector Miami, emphasized the need for strict adherence to maritime safety standards.
He stated, "The tragic loss of life in this case is a solemn reminder of why the U.S. Coast Guard is vigilant every day. Our mission is clear: to keep every vessel safe, legal, and ready to operate in our waters."
Joshua Packer, special agent in charge of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service’s Southeast Region, praised the teamwork among various agencies.
He noted, “This case shows how important strong partnerships are between federal, state, and local agencies. Working together, we were able to ensure accountability and justice.”
Insua now faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, which will be decided by a federal judge.
The investigation involved the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, Coast Guard Sector Miami, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, along with assistance from local law enforcement that responded to the accident.