A tragic accident off the coast of Hibiscus Island in Biscayne Bay has left two children dead and another in critical condition after a youth sailing camp vessel was struck and sunk by a barge on Monday morning, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
The heartbreaking incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. when a barge collided with a small sailboat carrying five children, ages 7 to 12, and one adult instructor. The collision threw all six individuals into the water as the sailboat quickly went under.
Rescue efforts were swift, with multiple agencies including Miami Beach Fire Rescue, Miami Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office responding to the scene. Crews staged operations at 131 Hibiscus Drive, deploying divers into the water and performing CPR on victims. Aerial footage showed first responders performing chest compressions on at least one child at the scene.
The U.S. Coast Guard later confirmed that two of the children were pronounced dead at Jackson Memorial Hospital, while one child remains unresponsive. The names and ages of the victims have not yet been released.
The surviving children and the adult counselor were brought to the Miami Yacht Club for evaluation. One of the children was later taken to the hospital for treatment of abrasions.
In a statement on Instagram, the Miami Yacht Club confirmed that the boat belonged to the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation. “At this time, details are still emerging, and we are actively gathering all available facts,” the post said. “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.”
A young camper named Enzo, age 9, who witnessed the crash from shore, described a harrowing scene. “It was a big garbage boat (barge), and the Getaway [sailboat] was in front of it and the boat wasn’t paying attention, crashed right into them and they all went flying off the boat,” he recalled. “Two were found really quickly.”
Enzo added that the crash happened during the first week of sailing camp, and all participants were ordered back to shore immediately after the incident.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the incident response, while the U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a full investigation into the crash. Officials have not confirmed whether any charges or citations will be issued.
As the Miami Beach community reels from the devastating loss, officials and sailing organizations are pledging a thorough investigation and support for the families affected. Grief counselors and resources are expected to be made available for camp participants and their families.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact authorities as the investigation continues.
