MIAMI (WSVN) – A devastating sailboat crash in Biscayne Bay has led to the loss of two young lives, including a 13-year-old Chilean national, Erin Ko, who had recently moved to the United States.
Erin Ko, a former student at San Pedro Nolasco School in Vitacura, Santiago, relocated to the U.S. in early 2024.
The school expressed deep sorrow in a social media post, calling Erin a well-rounded and empathetic student who excelled academically, particularly in mathematics. She was also an active participant in school activities, notably on the volleyball team and in trapeze and fabric workshops.
Tragically, Erin lost her life alongside 7-year-old Mila Yankelevich, identified by family and Argentine media. Mila was also a talented child from a well-known family in Argentina’s entertainment industry.
Both girls were enrolled in a youth sailing lesson organized by the Miami Yacht Club when their sailboat collided with a barge near Hibiscus Island on Monday afternoon. The incident has sent shockwaves through the international sailing community and South Florida, prompting a comprehensive investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard.
At the time of the collision, five children were on the sailboat with a 19-year-old camp counselor.
Following the accident, two children, aged 7 and 11, were hospitalized in critical condition. The 7-year-old, identified as Calena Gruber, has since been discharged from the hospital, according to a statement from her grandfather. While she needed stitches and suffered scratches on her leg, her overall condition is stable.
However, the 11-year-old girl, identified as Arielle Itke Bas Rivka Aliza by The Shul, a Bal Harbour synagogue, remains hospitalized and is in critical condition.
Capt. Frank Florio of the Coast Guard reported that all the young students were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
“Through some of our investigative work and some of the interviews we conducted, we do believe all of the girls were wearing life jackets,” said Capt. Florio.
The Miami Yacht Club, where the sailing program was based, has suspended the lessons as authorities investigate the tragic incident. The club has extended its condolences and is cooperating fully with the Coast Guard.
The investigation is examining both vessels involved, and efforts are underway to recover and store the sailboat at the U.S. Coast Guard base in Miami Beach.
Capt. Florio stated, “We owe you answers, and we are committed to finding them.”
The Coast Guard is looking into various aspects of the incident, including interviewing the barge’s captain. They are also conducting alcohol and chemical testing, with results pending.
Maritime attorney Brandon Volk commented on the situation, noting its complexity. He stated that it is likely the sailboat had the right of way, as powered vessels are required to yield to sailboats due to their lack of propulsion.
Concerns have been raised regarding the supervision of the children during the sailing lesson.
“If you have one woman who’s watching five minors, trying to teach them the ropes of sailing, she not only has to watch the kids, she also has to be in control of that vessel. How can one woman do all of that?” Volk questioned.
Authorities have indicated that determining fault and any potential regulatory failures may take several months as the investigation proceeds.
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