Boat Operator Was on His Phone During Deadly Crash That Killed 3 Girls

A heartbreaking boating tragedy in Miami is taking a shocking new turn — and prosecutors say it may have been completely preventable.

The tugboat operator involved in the July 28 crash that killed three young girls is now facing manslaughter charges, with investigators claiming he may have been distracted by his phone in the moments leading up to the collision.

Yusiel Insua, of Miami, was operating a massive 108-foot-long barge across Biscayne Bay when it slammed into a sailboat carrying children from a local sailing program, according to court records.

But what authorities say happened next is raising serious outrage.

Prosecutors allege Insua’s phone was unlocked and actively being used on “internet marketplaces” at the exact time of the crash.

“Insua’s cellular telephone was unlocked during the transit time leading up to the collision and indicated activity on internet marketplaces, including at the time when the collision occurred,” court documents state.

Insua has now been charged with seaman’s manslaughter. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The devastating crash claimed the lives of three girls: Mila Yankelevich, 7, and Erin Ko, 13, who died at the scene, and Arielle Bucham, 10, who initially survived but later died on July 30. Medical officials confirmed all three victims drowned.

At the time of the collision, Insua had been transporting construction debris to Di Lido Island. The sailboat, which had departed from the Miami Yacht Club, had reportedly stalled in the water due to a lack of wind — leaving it vulnerable as the much larger vessel approached.

According to investigators, Insua had long-range visibility from the pilothouse, but a crane mounted on the vessel blocked his direct view of the waterline in front of him.

Despite that obstruction, authorities say he failed to take proper precautions.

Court records allege Insua “did not change course” and failed to use alternative safety measures like radar or cameras — equipment that was not installed on the vessel.

“Insua knew, or should have known, that the position of the deckhouse and the crane… obstructed the waterline view,” the documents state, adding that he should have used other methods to avoid a collision.

Insua had been operating vessels for approximately 12 years.

Federal officials say the tragedy never should have happened.

“Our hearts are with the families of the children who lost their lives in this tragedy,” said U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones in a statement on March 31. “This information alleges a preventable loss of life on our waterways, including the failure to follow basic maritime safety rules and cellphone use during transit at or near the time of the collision.”