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Legal representative of barge company challenges Coast Guard's pursuit of prosecution following fatal Miami Beach sailboat accident

Legal representative of barge company challenges Coast Guard's pursuit of prosecution following fatal Miami Beach sailboat accident

The lawyer representing the company that owns the barge and towing vessel involved in a tragic collision in July, resulting in the loss of three children, expressed confusion over the U.S. Coast Guard's decision to seek prosecution through the Justice Department. Emphasizing that there was no negligence or malicious intent involved, attorney Lorenzo Palomares-Starbuck, representing Waterfront Construction, asserted that the lack of inspection of the towing vessel should not be linked to the accident's cause. Palomares-Starbuck contended that important safety factors, such as employee safety measures and equipment functionality, were not factors in the collision. He argued that the barge had the right of way and suggested that the captain of the sailboat should be held responsible for the tragedy. The lawyer claimed that the sailboat was overloaded, operating beyond its capacity by carrying excess passengers. This unfortunate incident resulted in the loss of three young girls from a summer camp organized by the Miami Yacht Club. While Justin Shapiro, an attorney representing survivors and victims, did not provide a response to the recent inquiry, he previously expressed gratitude towards the U.S. Coast Guard for their diligent investigation and pursuit of accountability. The Miami Yacht Club also expressed support for the Coast Guard's actions, recognizing the importance of safety and responsibility on the water. Requests for information regarding potential criminal charges from the U.S. Attorney's Office remain unanswered.

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