By David Goodhue, Miami Herald

MIAMI — U.S. Coast Guard investigators Thursday recommended the Justice Department charge the operators of the push tug and barge that rammed into a Miami Yacht Club summer camp sailboat, killing three young girls, with manslaughter.

But with the Coast Guard’s detailed Rules of Navigation , which dictate maritime law, prosecuting that charge may be challenging, considering the types of vessels involved in the July 28 tragedy in Biscayne Bay. A 60-foot barge being pushed by a tugboat ran over a 17-foot sailboat of five campers and a camp counselor, killing three girls and injuring two others.

Right-of-way rules

Sailboats in most instances have the right-of-way over most engine-powered vessels, according to the Coast Guard’s rules. But there are exception

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