The death of the granddaughter of Cris Morena: what is known about the investigation so far

The news shook Argentina already the Latin community in Miami: Cris Morena’s granddaughter lost her life in a nautical accident, that also left another dead girl and two minors interned in critical condition. All participated in a summer camp of the Miami Yacht Club. It was the closure of a week that promised fun and learning, but ended in tragedy.

The sailboat in which five girls between 7 and 13 were traveling, along with a young instructor, was rammed by a large barcaza, that loaded a crane and piles. It happened in Miami, in front of Hibiscus Island, in the Biscayne Bay, a calm waters zone, very busy by recreational vessels and surrounded by luxurious residences. After the impact, the sailboat was completely submerged. Rescuers managed to get all the people out of the water, but The two girls were declared dead when they arrived at the hospital.

Beyond pain, the tragedy opened difficult questions to dodge: Who was in charge of the barge? Why didn’t they see the sailboat? Were there anyone to be vigged? The authorities promised answers, but The case already generates strong tensions for its possible similarities with other accidents That, at the time, they were unpunished.

Lucy Fernández’s history and the recent “Lucy Law”

In southern Florida, No one forgets what happened with Lucy Fernández. He was 17 years old, a life ahead, and died in September 2022, when the yacht on which he celebrated a birthday crashed into a concrete signal. The ship was full of girls from the same school and its partner, Katy Puig, was permanent brain damage.

The man who was conducting the boat, George Pino, a real estate businessman, The night of the accident was not subjected to an breathalyzer. The investigation was, according to relatives, a disaster: without basic evidence, without statements of key witnesses, with conclusions that took a year to arrive. At first they only accused him of three minor offenses, each with a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a fine of 500 dollars. Only after a journalistic investigation and the testimony of a firefighter who saw him drunk, the cause was reopened and He was formally accused of involuntary homicide.

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But something changed. In the midst of pain, Lucy’s family decided that her story couldn’t end there. They joined with other parents who went through similar tragedies and began a crusade to modify the law in Florida. This is how the Lucy Law.

This rule, which entered into force on July 1 of this year, transformed into serious crime (felony)what was only a lower infraction: handle a boat recklessly and cause serious injuries or death. Before, these situations were almost as traffic accidents without real consequences. Now, who acts negligently in the water can face several years in prison.

“The Lucy Law returns some peace, because we know that it can prevent other families from going through the same thing,” said Kathya Puig, Katy’s mother, once sanctioned.

Alcoholing test to the crane driver that crashed into the sailboat

In the case of the death of the granddaughter of Cris Morena, The Barcaza captain underwent an breathalyzer test. It included blood tests and was carried out by the Coast Guard as part of the criminal investigation. Still The results are not knownbut the fact that this exam has been done marks a contrast with the Lucy case.

Commander Frank Florio, in charge of the Miami district, was in charge of the investigation and assured that the process will be exhaustive. Although for now there are no arrests, Yes it is investigated if the barge operator had the appropriate permits to be sailing in that area and if he respected the basic safety standards.

Could the boat maneuver? Did you know that activities with boys are carried out in that sector? What about the visibility I had at that time? In an area with so much transit of small boats, it is not a minor detail for researchers.

Guard-Miami

The Coast Guard investigates who was entitled to step

Everything indicates that one of the key axes will be to establish Which of the two vessels had a priority of passage. In general terms, The sailboats have preference in front of motor vessels. But There are exceptions. If a barge is towing a heavy load or has limited maneuverability by the type of work, it can be considered “restricted” and have priority.

In this case, the barge wore a crane and piles. The images show a heavy team that probably hindered any abrupt turn or course change. But specialized lawyers warn that this does not release the operator from their responsibility. There had to be a guide. There had to be caution. And, above all, he had to avoid approaching a boat with minors on board.

“The boatman has to foresee what can happen. And if it is in a camps area, it has to be doubly attentive, ”said one of the lawyers consulted by Miami media. Another specialist stressed that, beyond what the maritime law dictates, In civil terms, negligence could be considered not having stopped or diverted on time. And that could lead to a millionaire demand.