Two children were killed and four others injured Monday when a sailboat collided with a barge off Miami Beach.
The victims were from a Miami Yacht Club summer camp.
The crash occurred around 11:30 a.m. near Hibiscus Island and Star Island. The sailboat, which had five children and a female operator aboard, sank upon impact.
They were all thrown into the water and some became stuck under the barge.
All six were pulled from the water. Two of the children were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. A third child is still unresponsive, the Coast Guard said. One remains in critical condition, while another child and adult did not require medical treatment.
The children were between 8 and 12 years old.
“At this time, details are still emerging, and we are actively gathering all available facts,” the yacht club said in a statement. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of everyone involved, and we are working closely with the appropriate authorities and organizations to understand the situation fully.”
Several agencies responded to the scene, including Florida Fish and Wildlife, Miami Beach Fire Rescue and police, City of Miami Fire Rescue and police and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
The Coast Guard is heading the investigation with assistance from the FWC.
“Our hearts are with the families of those lost and all who have been affected by this tragedy,” Capt. Frank Florio, commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami, said in a statement. “The Coast Guard will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the causal factors and identify steps to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.”
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