The recording shows the moment when a barge rams the sailboat in which six minors were sailing
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A tragedy shook the Argentine and American communities this week. Mila Yankelevich, just 7 years old and the youngest daughter of Tomás Yankelevich and Sofía Reca, died this Monday after a brutal boating accident in Biscayne Bay, off Hibiscus Island, in Miami Beach. The girl was the granddaughter of renowned producers Cris Morena and Gustavo Yankelevich.
Mila was attending a summer camp organized by the Miami Yacht Club when, during a sailing activity, the sailboat she was on with five other girls and a 19-year-old instructor was struck by a barge. The impact completely sank the vessel.
The accident was captured by a camera located nearby, and in the video —shared by local media— the exact moment of the collision can be seen: the motorboat crashes head-on into the sailboat, leaving no chance for maneuvering or evasion. The footage sparked a wave of shock due to the rawness of the images and the magnitude of the consequences.
How did the rescue operation unfold?
In addition to Mila, another 13-year-old Argentine girl —whose name was not released out of respect for her family— also lost her life. Both were rescued from the water in critical condition, and despite the cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts by emergency teams, they died on the way to the hospital.
Two other girls, aged 8 and 11, were rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where they remain in intensive care. The instructor and another 12-year-old girl are out of danger, although they have minor injuries and are under observation.
Se trataba de la nieta más pequeña de Cris Morena
The swift response of emergency services was key to preventing an even greater tragedy. The incident occurred at 11:15 a.m. (local time), according to Lieutenant Pete Sánchez, spokesperson for the Miami Beach Fire Department: "A vessel was struck. On board were five children and a camp counselor. Two of those children were transported in critical condition to Ryder Trauma Center, and one in stable condition."
What is known so far about the investigation?
The accident is being investigated by the United States Coast Guard, along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, which have already conducted initial examinations of the two vessels involved. According to maritime sources, the sailboat was left submerged beneath the barge's structure after the impact.
"The forensic team and our maritime safety specialists are conducting a thorough investigation to clarify the causes of the incident," explained Captain Frank Florio, head of the Coast Guard sector in Miami.
For now, it has not been disclosed whether there was negligence on the part of the barge operator or if he was authorized to operate the vessel. No official charges have been filed, although the investigations are ongoing.
