No Charges in July 4th Boating Accident that Killed 3 Kids

Problems with maritime regulations and design flaws in the boat proved deadly, authorities said

No criminal charges will be brought in the Fourth of July boating accident that left three children dead when a yacht capsized in Oyster Bay, according to the office of Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice. 

Three youngsters were trapped in the cabin of the Kandi Won, a 34-foot Silverton yacht that tipped over while carrying 27 people, mostly friends and family, home from a fireworks cruise near the mouth of Oyster Bay. 

"The investigation uncovered a unique combination of circumstances that led to this specific boat’s capsizing," the district attorney's spokesman John Byrne said in a statement.  "It has also uncovered gaping holes in the maritime regulatory system and contributory design flaws in the vessel. The combination of these factors proved to be deadly."

All aboard were rescued unharmed except for 8-year-old Victoria Gaines of Huntington, 11-year-old Harlie Treanor of Huntington Station and 12-year-old David Aureliano of Kings Park.

Contact Us