A seven-year-old girl was injured in a tragic boating accident in Miami that resulted in the deaths of three other girls attending a sailing camp. The child was trapped beneath a 60-foot barge involved in the incident.
Karena Arejan Gruber was initially hospitalized in critical condition after managing to swim to safety following the horrific crash from last week. Family representatives shared details with NBC Miami.
“This little girl, just seven years old, is emotionally and physically devastated by what has happened,” the lawyer said during an update on Monday.
According to the lawyer, “She was stuck under the barge, suffering injuries that caused severe lacerations all over her body.” It’s heartbreaking to imagine.
“She was acutely aware that she could have died,” he mentioned, indicating that this realization weighed heavily on her and her parents.
Her parents are understandably focused on ensuring she receives all necessary care, but it’s, well, complicated. “This type of trauma is hard for anyone, let alone a seven-year-old,” he added, highlighting the challenges ahead.
Last week, Karena was sailing with four other girls and a 19-year-old instructor when the barge collided with their yacht.
This incident occurred just before dawn on July 28 near Hibiscus Island in Biscayne Bay. The girls were enjoying the final week of their sailing camp, which is nearly a century old and caters to children aged 7 to 15.
Sadly, two of the girls, Mira Jankelevich, 7, and Erin Kohan, 13, lost their lives that day. A third girl, 10-year-old Ari Buchman, died days later.
The instructor and another 12-year-old girl were rescued on site and treated for their injuries.
Karena was taken to the Rider Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she was in serious condition. Fortunately, her parents later reported that she had been released.
Surveillance footage captured the moment the barge collided with the yacht. It was a dramatic and sad sight.
Karena’s parents, Carina Gruber Moreno and Enrique Areja Viqueira, expressed their deep gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received from the community. “This is a tragic reminder of how life can change suddenly,” they stated. “What should have been a joyful day at the water has turned into profound sadness.”
An investigation into the crash is being led by the US Coast Guard. Reports suggest that the barge was operating with a large crane in front of the tugboat pilot house, which might have obstructed the operator’s view.
