Tragic Boating Accident Claims Two Young Lives

On July 28, 2025, tragedy struck Biscayne Bay. A 60-foot barge collided with a small 17-foot sailboat carrying five children and a 19-year-old instructor. The impact capsized the sailboat. Two young girls, Erin Ko and Mila Yankelevich, drowned. Two others remain in critical condition.

Erin Ko: A Bright Light Gone Too Soon

Erin Ko, 13, recently moved to Miami with her parents. Born in Chile to a Korean family, she was known for her warmth, intelligence, and active school life. Her father, Pil Jye Ko, shared his heartbreak, recalling her last words: “See you later, Daddy and Mommy.” He added, “She was a perfect daughter. She was all we had.”

Remembering Mila Yankelevich

Mila, 7, was the granddaughter of Argentine producer Cris Morena. She had just started attending the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation camp before the accident. Mila’s grandmother posted a touching tribute video days earlier, showing photos of Mila set to music from Chiquititas.

A Father’s Call for Justice

Erin’s father demanded accountability, stating, “This can’t happen. Two girls are gone.” The Ko family thanked the public for their support, saying, “Our lives were changed forever… we are heartbroken beyond words.” Social media users shared their grief, with many moved by the sight of Erin’s father in tears. One wrote, “Seeing this man cry like that breaks me to pieces.”