MIAMI BEACH, FL — Two Children Killed, Another Critically Injured After Barge Strikes Youth Sailing Vessel

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Two Children Killed, Another Critically Injured After Barge Strikes Youth Sailing Vessel

A peaceful morning on Biscayne Bay turned into heartbreaking tragedy on Monday when a barge collided with a youth sailing-camp vessel sailing near Hibiscus Island. Authorities confirmed that two young children lost their lives, and another remains in critical condition, as a result of the devastating collision.

🔹 Incident Overview

• The sailboat, part of a youth sailing camp through the Miami Yacht Club, carried six individuals—an adult counselor and five children between the ages of 7 and 15

• Around 11:15 a.m., the vessel was struck by a passing barge near Star Island, causing it to capsize and fling all aboard into the water

• Multiple agencies, including Miami‑Dade Fire Rescue, Miami Beach Police, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), responded swiftly. Divers and rescue crews located and retrieved all six victims from the water within an urgent multi‑agency operation.

🔹 Casualties & Impact

• Of the six individuals aboard, two children were pronounced dead at the hospital, while two others remain unresponsive and in critical condition

• The remaining two people—including one child and the adult counselor—are reported to be in stable condition and survived the incident

🔹 Response & Investigation

• The Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances and cause of the accident

• The Miami Yacht Club, whose youth sailing program was involved, expressed profound sorrow: “The entire MYC family is devastated by this terrible tragedy

🔹 Human Stories & Community Impact

• The deceased children and those injured were participants in a youth sailing program designed to teach confidence, seamanship, and teamwork. Monday was reportedly the final day of the camp week

• Rescue footage and eyewitness accounts captured frantic scenes: CPR performed on victims in the water, medics rushing aboard companion boats, and divers scouring the bay floor for survivors

💔 Community Grief & Safety Concerns

The tragedy has deeply impacted residents, campers, and the broader Miami community. Organizations and leaders are calling for:

• Heightened vigilance and safety measures on shared waterways, especially regarding proper separation and awareness between large commercial vessels and smaller recreational boats.

• Reflections on youth boating safety policies, including clearer protocols for sailing camps and stricter oversight in busy waterways.

📌 Summary Table

⭐ In Closing

The loss of life and trauma endured by the young participants, counselor, and their families is profoundly painful. As investigations continue, the community grapples with grief, the importance of safe watercraft operations, and the pressing need to protect children engaging in aquatic activities.

If they would like, the families involved will likely receive support through local vigils, counseling resources, and broader outreach from the sailing community. May the memory of those lost be a catalyst for greater safety and shared safeguarding on the water.