Two children were killed and four others injured Monday after a barge collided with a sailboat off Miami Beach near Hibiscus Island, according to authorities.
The victims were part of a summer camp operated by the Miami Yacht Club.
Children thrown into water, trapped under barge
At approximately 11:30 a.m., Coast Guard Sector Miami received a report from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue about the collision in Biscayne Bay. The sailboat, carrying five children and an adult female counselor, sank following the impact.
All six individuals were thrown into the water, with several reportedly trapped under the barge.
Divers scrambled to reach them, and all were eventually pulled from the bay.
Chopper 4 video showed rescue crews working quickly at the scene.
Three people were transported to Miami-Dade Marina, while two children were rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
At the time of the incident, at least one child was unresponsive, according to the Coast Guard.
Sailing camp participants among victims
The Miami Yacht Club confirmed that the children were participants in a summer program run by the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation.
“At this time, details are still emerging, and we are actively gathering all available facts,” the 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.”
One child and the counselor were evaluated at the scene but were not hospitalized.
Investigation underway
Florida Fish and Wildlife officials said their officers responded to the crash alongside multiple agencies, including Miami Beach Fire Rescue, City of Miami Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and police from both Miami Beach and Miami.
The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the ongoing investigation into the cause of the collision.
