Tragic Collision in Biscayne Bay: Miami Tugboat Captain Charged with Seaman's Manslaughter
A tragic incident in Biscayne Bay led to the charging of a Miami tugboat captain, Yusiel Lopez Insua, with seaman's manslaughter. The collision, which occurred on July 28, 2025, resulted in the deaths of three children. Insua allegedly operated the tugboat with obstructed visibility and without a proper lookout, as required by maritime safety regulations. The forward view of the tugboat was blocked by a deckhouse and crane, and no one was assigned to watch for hazards. During the incident, a children's sailing camp was taking place nearby, and a sailboat carrying a counselor and five children stalled in the path of the approaching tug and barge.
Insua reportedly did not see the stalled sailboat before the collision occurred. Investigators found evidence of internet activity on Insua's cellphone during transit, including at or near the time of the crash. The counselor and two children survived after being dragged under the barge, but three children were trapped in the wreckage and drowned. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones expressed condolences to the families of the children and emphasized the importance of following maritime safety rules to prevent such tragedies. Insua is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, but if convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Southeast Region, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, Miami Police Department, and Miami Beach Police Department were also involved in the rescue efforts. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Gilfarb and Daniel Rosenfeld, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner Stiehl, are prosecuting the case.