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Survivor’s Family Sues Barge Owner and Miami Yacht Club Over Fatal Biscayne Bay Crash

Filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, the lawsuit alleges reckless navigation by Waterfront Construction, Miami Yacht Club and its Youth Sailing Foundation caused three campers to drown when a barge struck their sailboat, leaving the sole survivor with lifelong injuries.

View of a barge that hit a sailboat that sank off Miami Beach’s Hibiscus Island in Biscayne Bay on July 28, 2025. (Pedro Portal/Miami Herald/TNS)
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Overview

  • The suit filed August 8 names Waterfront Construction, the Miami Yacht Club and its Youth Sailing Foundation as defendants in Miami-Dade Circuit Court.
  • Plaintiffs contend the tug-pushed barge made no effort to slow or alter course before colliding with the 17-foot Hobie Getaway on July 28.
  • Owner Jorge Rivas and Waterfront Construction’s attorney maintain the experienced crew “absolutely tried to avoid” the incident and acted reasonably.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard’s ongoing inquiry has cleared toxicology tests, established a 250-yard exclusion zone and is coordinating with international maritime agencies.
  • Nine-year-old survivor E.Z. suffers permanent physical injuries, and the Miami Yacht Club has provided grief counseling and support for families.