Florida sailing student deaths may bring federal charges

The Coast Guard has asked the U.S. Department of Justice to review the July 28 collision of the push boat Wood Chuck with its barge and a sailboat that killed three young students from a Florida youth sailing program.

In a Nov. 3 statement, the Coast Guard’s Southeast District headquarters said officials have referred the case a case to the Department of Justice for possible criminal prosecution under the federal law on “seaman's manslaughter” against parties involved in the towing company.

The Miami Yacht Club’s Youth Sailing Foundation program had a boat in the Hibiscus Island area when the collision happened, according to Coast Guard and news media reports. Five girls ranging in age from seven to 13, along with their sailing instructor, a 19-year-old woman, were thrown into the water during the July 28 crash, which saw the sailboat pulled under the barge in the collision.

Two of the girls, ages seven and 13, were pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after the incident, followed by a third student's death.

"After conducting a thorough marine casualty investigation, we’ve referred this case to Department of Justice for criminal investigation to ensure full accountability and help deter similar cases in the future," said Coast Guard Sector Miami Commander Capt. Frank J. Florio. "As the process moves into this new phase, our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragic incident.”

The federal law on seaman’s manslaughter dates to back to 19^th-century steamboat accidents, and creates criminal liability for misconduct or negligence by those involved in a vessel's operation that results in a death. It applies to negligence, misconduct, or violation of law by ship officers, owners, vessel charterers, and corporate officials.

In the aftermath of the accident, lawsuits have involved barge operator Waterfront Construction Inc., the yacht club and its youth sailing foundation.