The U.S. Coast Guard has referred its investigation into the deadly July boat collision near Hibiscus Island to the Department of Justice for possible criminal prosecution, officials announced Thursday.

According to Coast Guard Sector Miami, the referral seeks potential charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1115, known as seaman’s manslaughter, against individuals associated with the towing company that operated the barge involved in the crash.

The July 28 collision between a barge pushed by the uninspected towing vessel Wood Chuck and a small sailing vessel left three children dead and two others injured.

All were participants in the Miami Yacht Club Youth Sailing Program.

“After conducting a thorough marine casualty investigation, we’ve referred this case to Department of Justice for criminal in

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