Coast Guard Sends Biscayne Bay Camp Crash Case to DOJ

The U.S. Coast Guard has sent the findings of its investigation into the July 28 Biscayne Bay sailing camp collision to the Department of Justice for potential criminal prosecution. The crash involved a construction barge pushed by the towing vessel Wood Chuck and a small sailboat carrying five girls and their teenage instructor. Three of the campers died in the accident, prompting scrutiny of the towing company and other parties involved.

Families of the victims and survivors have filed legal claims alleging negligence by the barge owner, the Miami Yacht Club, and the Youth Sailing Foundation. Attorneys for the families welcomed the federal referral, while representatives for the organizations expressed continued support for safety improvements. The barge operator’s attorney disputes the Coast Guard’s decision, maintaining that the vessels followed proper navigation rules and describing the crash as an unavoidable accident.