Family of 7-Year-Old Girl Who Survived Miami Boat Crash That Killed 3 Say It’s a ‘Miracle She’s Alive’

The family of a young girl who survived a devastating boat collision in Miami that claimed three lives is speaking out about the tragedy.

Seven-year-old Calena Areyan Gruber was hospitalized after the July 28 crash, which occurred when a boat carrying students from a sailing program was struck by a barge near Hibiscus Island. According to NBC 6 South Florida, she was released from Jackson Memorial Hospital on August 1.

In a statement shared on Monday, August 4, Calena’s parents, Karina Moreno and Enrique Viqueira, expressed their sorrow: “Our hearts are broken for the families who suffered the most unthinkable tragedy in last week’s collision,” they said, as reported by the outlet.

“This is a deeply harrowing reminder of how suddenly and senselessly life can change,” they continued. “In an instant, what should have been a day of joy and connection on the water turned into a source of unimaginable grief. Our hearts will forever remain with the families involved in this most tragic incident.”

The family also released a photo of Calena smiling and waving as she headed out for what was meant to be a routine day of sailing.

Around 11:00 a.m. local time, a barge collided with the sailboat carrying six individuals. The impact caused the smaller vessel to go under the barge. Calena was trapped beneath the 60-foot vessel but managed to escape and swim to safety, according to the Miami Herald. She sustained multiple open wounds and scrapes and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

“This was profoundly traumatic,” said the family’s attorney, Justin B. Shapiro, to the Miami Herald. “It’s a miracle she’s alive.”

Shapiro told NBC 6 South Florida that Calena is dealing with severe emotional and physical trauma. “She was acutely aware that she could have died, and she repeats that to her parents. It’s going to be a long and difficult road for her.”

The three children who lost their lives in the crash were identified as 7-year-old Mila Yankelevich, 13-year-old Erin Ko, and 10-year-old Arielle Buchman. Their deaths were ruled as accidental drownings.

All three victims were part of the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation, which operates out of the Miami Yacht Club, the organization confirmed.

“We are deeply moved and incredibly grateful for the outpouring of prayers and kindness we have received from the community,” Calena’s parents added. “We now respectfully ask for privacy as we focus on healing and processing this difficult situation.”

The U.S. Coast Guard is currently investigating the cause of the accident.