Barge-Sailboat Collision Kills 2 Children, Injures 2 Miami

A tragic collision occurred in Biscayne Bay near Miami Beach when a commercial barge struck a small sailboat carrying six participants from a youth sailing camp, resulting in the deaths of two children and critical injuries to two others. The sailboat, part of the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation's summer program, had five children and one adult onboard when it was hit near Hibiscus Island, causing it to sink and throw occupants into the water. Rescue teams from multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard and Miami Beach Fire Rescue, responded swiftly, pulling all six individuals from the water; two children were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, while two remain in critical condition. The sailboat remains submerged beneath the barge, and authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, are conducting thorough investigations into the incident. The Miami Yacht Club and Miami Youth Sailing Foundation expressed their devastation and commitment to safety, emphasizing cooperation with ongoing investigations. The victims’ identities have not been released, and officials continue to enforce a safety perimeter at the site.