The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has located a vessel of interest in connection with a fatal hit-and-run boat crash in Biscayne Bay that killed 55-year-old Davide Veglia of North Miami and hospitalized his 14-year-old son. The crash occurred in the Meloy Channel near Indian Creek and Biscayne Pointe when a larger vessel struck the father and son’s 7-foot inflatable dinghy and fled the scene. Veglia was pronounced dead at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, while his son survived with a broken arm.
“We were able to locate a vessel that is currently considered a vessel of interest,” said FWC Officer George Reynaud. The commission did not release further details about the vessel’s discovery but confirmed the investigation remains active. Reynaud emphasized that “this investigation still remains ongoing” as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the deadly collision.
Surveillance video released by the FWC shows the vessel that authorities believe may have been involved in the crash. The boat of interest was described as a dark blue vessel with black bottom paint, measuring 20-30 feet in length, with possibly four outboard motors. The vessel was last seen between 7:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., heading northbound from the Meloy Channel in the vicinity of Normandy Shores.
The fatal incident represents one of two deadly boat crashes that occurred in Biscayne Bay within days of each other. Three days after the hit-and-run, 33-year-old Claudia Balmaseda Orellanes of Coral Gables was killed and 54-year-old Neil Schwab of Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood was injured when they were ejected from their boat off Crandon Park Marina. Video footage captured the unmanned vessel spinning in circles after both occupants were thrown overboard, with fire crews eventually stopping the out-of-control boat by throwing a line at its propellers.
Florida waters have seen increased scrutiny over boating safety as recreational vessel traffic continues to grow in popular areas like Biscayne Bay. The FWC maintains jurisdiction over boating accidents in state waters and works closely with local law enforcement agencies to investigate maritime incidents. The commission’s Wildlife Alert Hotline serves as a primary resource for gathering witness information and tips related to boating violations and accidents.
FWC officers are actively seeking additional information from the public regarding the fatal hit-and-run incident. Anyone who witnessed the accident or has video footage or information is urged to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC or contact the Miami Beach Police Department at 305-673-7900 for assistance with the ongoing investigation.