Mila Yankelevich and Erin Ko Identified as Victims in Biscayne Bay Sailboat Tragedy; Medical Examiner Confirms Accidental Drowning
On Monday, July 28, 2025, around 11 a.m., a barge collided with a youth sailboat in Biscayne Bay, near Hibiscus Island off Miami Beach. The sailboat was carrying five young campers and a teenage counselor as part of a summer sailing camp operated by the Miami Yacht Club and the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation. All six occupants ended up in the water after the collision.
Four of the children were hospitalized. Tragically, a 7‑year‑old girl and a 13‑year‑old girl were pronounced dead shortly after being brought to the hospital. Two girls, ages 8 and 11, remain in critical condition; a 12‑year‑old girl and the counselor escaped serious injuries
👧 Victims Identified
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Mila Yankelevich, age 7, granddaughter of distinguished Argentine television producers Cris Morena and Gustavo Yankelevich; daughter of director Tomas Yankelevich and actress Sofía Reca. She is remembered as loving music, dance, and dress‑up.
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Erin Victoria Ko Han, age 13, a Chilean national who moved to the U.S. in 2024. Her school in Santiago described her as empathetic, confident, passionate about academics and activities like volleyball and trapeze.
⚠️ Cause of Death
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office officially confirmed that both Mila and Erin died of accidental drowning. Despite wearing life jackets during the crash, they were submerged and tragically could not be rescued in time.
🔍 Ongoing Investigation
The U.S. Coast Guard leads a full investigation, collaborating with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Current inquiry efforts include:
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Interviewing the barge captain and crew, including testing for alcohol and chemical levelsExamining whether all passengers were wearing life jackets—officials affirm they were.
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Investigating crew licensing, navigational compliance, and incident dynamics in the bay.
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Conducting a salvage operation, evidence gathering, and toxicology analysis.
Witnesses described the impact as catastrophic, noting children being thrown from the boat, some visibly struggling beneath the barge’s structure.
🤝 Family & Community Reactions
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Argentine media and celebrities have expressed grief over Mila’s death; public figures such as Marcelo Tinelli shared messages of devastation and love for her family.
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Erin’s school community in Chile remembered her fondly, praising her as bright, compassionate, and influential among peers.
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The Miami Yacht Club and the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation issued statements offering condolences and support to affected families, and suspended program operations temporarily.
📋 Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Monday, July 28, 2025 — Around 11:00 a.m. |
| Location | Biscayne Bay, near Hibiscus Island / Miami Beach |
| Vessel | Sailboat carrying 5 children + 1 counselor; struck by a barge |
| Deaths | Milo Yankelevich (7); Erin Victoria Ko Han (13) |
| Cause of Death | Accidental drowning |
| Injuries | 8‑ and 11‑year‑olds critical; 12‑year‑old & instructor unharmed |
| Investigation | U.S. Coast Guard & FWC, ongoing |
💭 Final Thoughts
This tragedy highlights the harsh unpredictability of maritime accidents—even when safety precautions like life jackets are in place. The emotional resonance extends across continents, as families, educators, and communities in Argentina, Chile, and the U.S. continue to feel the devastating loss of two young, vibrant lives.
Authorities remain committed to a transparent investigation, and the broader sailing community has rallied to remember Mila and Erin, while advocating for future safety measures.