Girl Dies from Sailboat Crash, Death Toll Now Three
Youngster succumbs to injuries after collision with barge near Miami Beach
A tragic incident off Miami Beach has claimed a third young life. Ten-year-old Ari Buchman, who was critically injured after a sailboat she was aboard collided with a barge, has passed away. Her family, synagogue, and officials confirmed her death on Sunday.
Grief Grips Community
Ari Buchman was among several children participating in a summer sailing camp organized by the Miami Yacht Club. The collision occurred on July 28 in Biscayne Bay, initially resulting in the deaths of two other girls, 7-year-old Mila Yankelevich and 13-year-old Erin Ko Han. Both reportedly died from accidental drowning following the impact.
On the saddest day of the Jewish calendar, my family mourns the loss of our 10 year-old cousin Arielle, who passed away as a result of a tragic sailboat accident that occurred early in the week. The Miami Yacht Club and the entire sailing community are devastated by this terrible tragedy. https://t.co/L9w0sQ8qT7
— Gabe Groisman (@GabeGroisman) July 28, 2024
Temple Menorah in Miami Beach announced Buchman‘s passing on Sunday morning. “With broken hearts, we announce the funeral service of our beloved Arielle Mazi Buchman,” the synagogue stated. The U.S. Coast Guard also confirmed the child’s death, stating she passed while surrounded by her immediate family at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Lisa Mozloom, spokesperson for the Miami Yacht Club, shared the organization’s devastation. “This devastating news comes after two young sailors lost their lives in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. Now, with the passing of a third sailor, the entire sailing community is shattered by grief.”
Collision Details Emerge
The fatal crash occurred around 11:15 a.m. on Monday between Hibiscus Island and Monument Island. The sailboat, carrying five girls and one adult counselor, was struck by a barge equipped with a crane. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with children being thrown from the vessel.
An 8-year-old girl, who was also critically injured, was released from a local hospital on Thursday. Another 12-year-old girl and the 19-year-old counselor were treated for injuries but did not require hospitalization.
The sailing camp, affiliated with the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation, was in its final week. Eyewitnesses confirmed all children aboard the sailboat were wearing life jackets during the incident.
Nine-year-old Enzo Pifer Eddy recounted the moment of impact: “There was a massive boat and it hit one of the small sailboats. All of the kids went flying off.” Another young witness described the scene as “super sad and super scary.”
Investigation Underway
Questions surround the circumstances of the collision. Harbor pilot Jon Nitkin suggested the barge, described as “very underpowered” and moving slowly, had ample space to maneuver, raising concerns about the tugboat captain’s awareness of the smaller vessel. “My guess, usually very poor,” Nitkin commented on visibility from the wheelhouse.
The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the investigation and has established a safety zone around the crash site. Salvage plans for the involved vessels are pending Coast Guard approval.
“Our hearts continue to mourn with all those impacted by Monday’s tragic incident, especially with the passing of another one of Miami’s children today,” said Capt. Frank Florio of Coast Guard Sector Miami. “The Coast Guard remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation to ensure all facts are uncovered.” Investigators from Argentina, the home nation of one of the victims, are expected to join the probe, along with the Chilean National Maritime Authority.
The U.S. Coast Guard reports that in 2023, there were 4,240 recreational boating accidents nationwide, resulting in 650 deaths and 2,420 injuries. The Miami incident tragically highlights the ongoing risks associated with maritime activities (U.S. Coast Guard, 2023).