- Two girls, ages 7 and 13, were killed in a sailboat-barge collision near Hibiscus Island, Miami.
- Four others, all female, were rescued; two remain in critical condition.
- The victims were part of a youth sailing program when their boat was struck.
- A federal investigation by the Coast Guard is now underway.
The Big Picture
Two children lost their lives and four others were rescued after a tragic vessel collision occurred Monday morning off the coast of Miami Beach, near Hibiscus Island. The victims were aboard a sailboat participating in a youth summer sailing program when it was struck by a barge around 11 a.m., according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
What’s New
The Coast Guard confirmed the deceased are a 7-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl. An 8-year-old and 11-year-old remain hospitalized in critical condition. A 12-year-old and 19-year-old female were also rescued and treated at the scene.
All six individuals were recovered from the water following a swift joint response by Miami Beach Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, City of Miami Fire Rescue, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and a U.S. Coast Guard small boat crew.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The Coast Guard has established a 250-yard safety zone around the scene. The sailboat remains trapped beneath the barge. A small boat crew from Station Miami Beach continues to monitor the area while investigations are ongoing.
The Coast Guard said they received notification from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and immediately coordinated efforts with state and local agencies to ensure all individuals were accounted for.
What’s Next
The federal investigation is currently focused on the sequence of events that led to the collision. Authorities are expected to examine whether any navigational errors or safety violations contributed to the crash. Recovery of the submerged sailing vessel is underway.
The Bottom Line
This devastating accident has sent shockwaves through the local community, particularly among parents of children participating in summer water programs. Federal authorities are urging sailing programs and commercial operators to review safety procedures to prevent future tragedies.
Arizona Woman Sentenced for Role in North Korean IT Fraud Scheme
Zelensky Condemns Russian Air Strike on Kyiv
Follow Virginia Times for regular news updates. Stay informed with the latest headlines, breaking stories, and in-depth reporting from around the world.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
