Cuban captain Yusiel López Insúa was sentenced on Tuesday to 18 months in prison for a maritime accident that resulted in the deaths of three young girls during a summer camp in Miami in July 2025.
Federal Judge Jacqueline Becerra handed down a prison term that exceeded the recommendation of both the prosecution and the defense, who had jointly requested a sentence of one year and one day, followed by six months of house arrest.
CBS News Miami reported that López Insúa had admitted to his role in maritime involuntary manslaughter, a federal offense carrying a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.
During the court proceedings, Judge Becerra likened the captain's actions to driving blindfolded on the I-95 freeway, highlighting the severe safety oversights that led to the tragedy.
According to WSVN, López Insúa is set to begin his sentence in December, when he will turn himself in to authorities.
The families of the three girls left the courtroom silently after the sentencing, as described by the local television channel.
Upon hearing the verdict, attorney Walter Reynoso stated that his client remains deeply affected by the incident and will bear the emotional burden for the rest of his life. Reynoso added that López Insúa and his family are praying daily for the families of the victims to find peace and strength in their loss, as reported by NBC Miami.
A Preventable Tragedy
The accident took place on July 28, 2025, in Biscayne Bay, when the tugboat operated by López Insúa was pushing a barge loaded with construction materials.
The commercial vessel collided with a small sailboat carrying five girls and an instructor from a summer camp.
Three of the minors were trapped beneath the barge and drowned. The victims were identified as Mila Yankelevich, aged seven; Arielle Buchman, aged ten; and Erin Ko Han, aged 13. The other two girls and the instructor survived the crash.
The federal investigation revealed that the captain's view was obstructed by a crane and other structures on the barge, and that he had failed to appoint any crew members to monitor for other vessels.
Additionally, a forensic examination of his cellphone revealed internet activity during navigation, even close to the time of the collision. Investigators found that the captain had been browsing online shopping platforms.
The U.S. Department of Justice concluded that López Insúa violated fundamental maritime safety regulations, acknowledging that these lapses played a role in the crash.
The captain pleaded guilty in July 2026, having initially denied the charges. His lawyer explained that he accepted responsibility to spare the victims' families from reliving the ordeal in a trial.
Key Details on the Miami Boating Incident
What was the sentence given to Yusiel López Insúa?
Yusiel López Insúa received an 18-month prison sentence for his role in the maritime accident.
How did the accident in Biscayne Bay occur?
The accident happened when a commercial tugboat, operated by López Insúa, struck a small sailboat carrying children and an instructor, leading to the death of three girls.
What factors contributed to the accident?
The captain's view was blocked by equipment on the barge, and there was no assigned crew to monitor for other vessels. Additionally, the captain was found to be distracted by internet activity on his phone.