A tugboat captain has been charged with seaman’s manslaughter after a fatal collision in Biscayne Bay that resulted in the deaths of three children, according to a Mar. 31 announcement from federal authorities.
The case highlights concerns about maritime safety and the importance of following regulations to prevent tragedies on local waterways.
Court records state that Yusiel Lopez Insua, 46, was piloting a tugboat pushing a barge loaded with construction debris across Biscayne Bay on July 28, 2025. The vessel’s forward view was blocked by equipment, and no lookout had been assigned. At the same time, a children's sailing camp was underway nearby when a sailboat carrying one counselor and five children stalled in the path of the barge due to loss of wind. The barge struck the sailboat because Insua could not see it ahead.
A forensic review found that Insua's cellphone showed internet activity during transit at or near the time of the crash. Three children were trapped and drowned after being caught in wreckage; two other children and their counselor escaped after being dragged under but survived.
"Our hearts are with the families of the children who lost their lives in this tragedy," said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. "This information alleges a preventable loss of life on our waterways, including the failure to follow basic maritime safety rules and cellphone use during transit at or near the time of the collision. We will present the evidence in court with care and professionalism. As in every case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."
If convicted, Insua faces up to ten years in federal prison for seaman’s manslaughter charges. Authorities say investigations are ongoing by several agencies including U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service Southeast Region; U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami; and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Reding Quiñones also commended rescue efforts from local law enforcement agencies involved at the scene.
