Too many times I heard a security call from a tug saying restricted visibility. These were on a clear blue day.
I would be so tempted to respond with “Thanks for the warning, I’ll throw in $20 to help you hire a lookout”.
3 Likes
Press Release | Aug. 3, 2025
UPDATE 3: Coast Guard investigating vessel collision in vicinity of Hibiscus Island
Coast Guard Southeast District
MIAMI – It is with heavy hearts that Coast Guard investigators announce the passing of the 10-year-old child that was in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
From the USCG press release:
The Coast Guard has also extended an invitation to the Chilean National Maritime Authority (DIRECTEMAR) to also participate in the marine investigation.
I’m wondering if one of the children was a Chilean national since I can’t imagine either the tug or tug operator would be.
It’s really hard for me to read about or comment on this tragedy. When one of the dad’s did an interview he was crying the whole time. His words about his only child was, “We are very much in pain in our hearts because she was all we had,”. That dad, the Ko family, is from Chile. It hurts me to think of the suffering of those parents.
5 Likes
“If a commercial tugboat is under 26 feet, it is subject to fewer requirements and restrictions”
1 Like
Read that, and followed the links in MiamiHerald article. It’s a bit of a worry, speculating how many <26ft tugs pushing/pulling (e.g.) 100+ft barges are running around in US waters in the hands of unlicensed people with no knowledge of any rules, or requirement to know any rules, and may not even know their port from their cardboard!
But hey, they’re citizens, so that’s OK!
WTF!
2 Likes
“Fewer” as in, no more regulations or restrictions than any 18-year old taking out a 16-ft fishing boat.
I doubt it is practical to require a full blown Master of Towing or even TOAR for these small construction barge combinations, not in the short-term anyway, but a 50, 100, or 200T depending on tonnage is doable. Right now they don’t even require an OUPV for these boats.
1 Like
Unfamiliar with these regs, but what is actually required for…
… just for clarity?
Depends on the state as there is no uniform federal regulation of personal watercraft. In many states there is no regulation unless you are born in 2007 or later. If so you must take a boating safety course at age 16 or over. Can be done online in many states. In most states if you can buy it you can run it as long as it is for personal use. 16 ft or 160 ft.
3 Likes
As mentioned, a fairly easy written test. Seeing as I live on an island, it is part of the high school curriculum here. Back in the day there was nothing at all, I was towing strings of 4-6 boats with a 36 foot towboat with twin big blocks when I was 16 and we didn’t need no stinking badges back then.
That’s some rhetoric from the lawer at the end of the article, stating how it’s negligent to be operating a tugboat when there are children around. Yet nothing about why they’re day camp sailing in the channel
1 Like
The incident was ‘near Star Island’, one of the many artificial and inhabited islands in a basin without commercial shipping access and traffic.
Hence, wether on GoogleEarth nor on the charts I can detect a ship channel.
2 Likes
I lived in Miami for 20 years. I was a MYC member and still have friends there. The Club is affiliated with US Sailing, the national governing body of the sport. The Coaches are Instructor certified, other counselors are sailing team members, some who are working on Certification. The MYC is far from a fly by night organization. We moved 4 years ago.
The Yacht Club is to the west next to Jungle Island. There are now a number of anchored boats off the Club and the kids sail near Monument Island (to NW of Star Is.) That area is a Manatee Zone restricted to “No Wake. “ Around Monument Is. East side, Is a “Recreation Zone” allowing higher speed.
The video probably came from one of the houses on Hibiscus or Star. There is no channel there. ICW is to the west of Jungle Is and Dodge Channel is to east of Star Is. Closer to Miami Beach.
The Tug is part of some marine construction company probably working on docks or piers.
My simple opinion is the kids sailed into a “wind Hole” or the Tug /barge created a “wind shadow” and the sailboat was becalmed. These scenarios do not relieve either vessel from the responsibility to prevent a collision.
May those young souls rest in Peace and their families be comforted.
I hope this local information is helpful to this discussion.
Marc
8 Likes
It’s not a channel, tho.
Has anyone been able to find out which construction company this is? Who the crew are? We know the juvenile victims’ names, but none of the adults involved.
Why?
2 Likes
Litigation has started so local media has finally identified Waterfront Construction, owned by Jorge Rivas as the entity operating the tug.
Lawsuit IDs owner of barge in deadly Biscayne Bay crash with youth sailing camp boat
2 Likes
Seems a little premature to be suing everyone, but lawyers will be lawyers.