Miami.– The Miami authorities confirmed the identity of Erin Victoria Ko Han, a 13 -year -old Chilean girl, as the second fatal victim of the tragic nautical accident that occurred on Monday in the Biscayne bay, when a barge that supported construction works collided with a sailboat.
The investigation, led by the United States Coast Guard, now focuses on determining the responsibilities and exact causes of the incident that also cost the lives of a minor Argentina and left two other girls in critical condition.
Victims profile
The Miami-Dade County Forensic Medical Office officially identified the two deceased: Erin Ko, 13, and Mila Yankelevich, 7, granddaughter of the recognized Argentine producers Cris Morena and Gustavo Yankelevich.
Erin’s family, of Korean origin, moved from Chile to Miami in December last year. Her old school in Santiago remembered her as an integral and empathic student.
Of the total of six people aboard the sailboat, four survived. Two girls of 8 and 11 years remained admitted to the Jackson Memorial Hospital, while a 12 -year -old girl and the 19 -year -old instructor are out of danger.
The authorities confirmed that all girls and the monitor carried lifeguards.
Advances of research
The Coast Guard, in collaboration with the Florida Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), guides the investigations to clarify the clash.
Captain Frank Florio, commander of the Miami sector of the Coast Guard, reiterated that the speed of the barge is a key element in the expertise.
As part of the protocol, breathalyzer and substance detection tests were performed to the tugboat captain that pushed the barge, although the results are not yet public.
The researchers interrogated the operator of the major vessel and analyzed a security video that captured the direct impact, considered a fundamental piece for the reconstruction of the facts.
In addition, it is verified if the crew had the corresponding licenses and if a crane installed in the barge could obstruct the visibility of the operator.
Legal and consular repercussions
While the investigation progresses, maritime law experts anticipated possible civil and criminal legal actions against the operators and owners of La Barcaza.
The case is part of federal and state laws, including Lucy’s ‘law’, which hardens the penalties for reckless operation of vessels.
Chile and Argentina’s consulates in Miami confirmed that they provide assistance to KO and Yankelevich families, respectively.
In a joint statement, both diplomatic representations expressed their pain for the tragedy that enluta to the community.
The families of the victims, who are already in the city, requested privacy while waiting for answers about the circumstances that caused the fatal accident.
