Mila Yankelevich | Rescue Teams | Source: facebook.com/diariouno | facebook.com/telefenoticias
Gustavo Yankelevich and Cris Morena’s granddaughter died in a sailboat collision in Miami Beach: Video of the crash, rescue footage, and a witness statement.
A day of learning and adventure ended in tragedy for a beloved entertainment family and a shaken Miami boating community.
What seemed like an ordinary summer day transformed, in a matter of minutes, into an event that would mark many families forever. A group of children were participating in a recreational activity by the sea, unaware of what was about to happen.
Images from the scene show the immediate deployment of divers and rescuers, while other witnesses watched from the shore, unable to fully understand what had happened. A child who witnessed the crash offered firsthand testimony, revealing details that continue to stir shock.
Rescue boats in Biscayne Bay, Miami | Source: YouTube/WPLG Local 10
The magnitude of what happened resonated beyond the local community. The news reached international attention when the identity of one of the victims was revealed. Below are the facts confirmed by the agencies involved and eyewitnesses.
Boating accident in Miami: what we know so far
On Monday morning, July 28, an accident between a sailboat and a barge off the coast of Miami Beach killed two Argentine minors.
Rescue boats in Biscayne Bay, Miami | Source: YouTube/WPLG Local 10
The incident occurred in the waters of Biscayne Bay around 11:30 a.m., when the barge struck the sailboat, causing it to sink with six people on board.
Authorities received alerts about a partially submerged boat and missing people. Rescue teams from the Miami Fire Department and the Coast Guard responded quickly and managed to recover everyone involved in the water.
Rescuers at the entrance to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where victims of the crash in Biscayne Bay in Miami were taken | Source: YouTube/WPLG Local 10
The minors were participating in an activity organized by the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation, part of the Miami Yacht Club. The group consisted of five children, ranging in age from 7 to 13, and a woman identified as a camp counselor.
Confirmed victims and status of survivors
Among the fatalities was 7-year-old Mila Yankelevich, daughter of Tomás Yankelevich and granddaughter of Gustavo Yankelevich and Cris Morena. The other victim was a 13-year-old girl. Both were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where their deaths were confirmed.
Mila Yankelevich | Source: Instagram/bycrismorena
A second Coast Guard statement issued later that day noted that “one (victim) is currently unresponsive.”
The other people, including four minors and the counselor, were taken to the Yacht Club, and two girls were later transferred to medical centers in serious condition. Watch a video below showing the sailboat shortly before the collision:
Direct account of a child who witnessed the accident
Nine-year-old Enzo Piffaretti watched the collision from land and gave his testimony to Local 10 News:
“It was a big garbage boat (barge), and the getaway (sailboat) was in front of it and the boat wasn’t paying attention, it crashed right into them and everyone was thrown off the boat.”
He added : “Two were found very quickly and three of them had to go to the hospital.”
Accident witness | Source: YouTube/WPLG Local 10
The minor was also participating in the camp, but at the time of the crash he had just arrived at the site and was still on the coast.
Who was Mila Yankelevich and her family ties?
Mila was the youngest daughter of Tomás Yankelevich and Sofía Reca. She was born on February 12, 2017, and was Inti’s younger sister.
His grandmother, Cris Morena, dedicated a heartfelt message to him on social media for his birthday a few months ago:
“Mila, my little girl with wings, my happy and free little fairy, dreamy and long-awaited Aquarian… Our moments together filled with dancing, singing, inventing the shapes of clouds on the beach, your incredible questions… You are sunshine, freedom, hugs, beautiful, restless, sweet, beloved girl, special, brilliant, beloved granddaughter!!! Happy day! Happy life. Happy birthday. I love you always!!!”
Cris Morena with her granddaughter, Mila | Source: Instagram/bycrismorena
The girl was part of the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation’s educational and recreational program, a space that promotes sailing learning from childhood, with goals geared toward personal development, competition, and recreation.
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Reaction of the yacht club after the tragedy
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The Miami Yacht Club publicly expressed its condolences regarding the events: “The entire sailing community is devastated by the unimaginable tragedy that occurred yesterday. Our hearts go out to the families who have been forever scarred by these events,” they said in a statement posted on social media.
The message continued with words of solidarity for all involved:
“The MYC stands in solidarity with the Youth Sailing Foundation, its sailors, staff, and all those affected. The Miami Yacht Club is more than a collection of waterfront organizations: it’s a family, and today we share the deep sorrow of our extended sailing community.”
And he concluded : “Our thoughts are with the families, the sailors, and the dedicated instructors and volunteers who contribute so much to this program.”
Comments after the accident and status of the investigation
The news generated both local and international impact. On social media, users expressed their concern about safety in Miami’s waters.
Rescue boats in Biscayne Bay, Miami | Source: YouTube/WPLG Local 10
One of them wrote : “I live in Miami. People die all the time in boat crashes. A disaster. And I won’t even mention cars.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Coast Guard are investigating the circumstances of the collision between the sailboat and the barge. So far, no new details have been released regarding the cause or responsibility. Watch the video of the collision below:
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