Two children dead after sailboat and barge collision off Miami Beach, officials say

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating a fatal vessel collision off Miami Beach, near Hibiscus Island, after a barge struck a sailboat Monday morning carrying children participating in a summer sailing program.

The crash killed two children and left two others in critical condition, officials said.

The Coast Guard said a 7-year-old and a 13-year-old girl died, while an 8-year-old and an 11-year-old girl remain in critical condition. They said a 12-year-old girl and a 19-year-old woman were rescued. 

Children thrown overboard, sailboat submerged

The collision occurred around 11 a.m. in Biscayne Bay.

According to Coast Guard Sector Miami, the sailboat—with five children and an adult counselor on board—sank after being hit by the barge.

All six occupants were thrown into the water, with some reportedly trapped beneath the barge.

Rescue divers and first responders from Miami Beach Fire Rescue were first on scene, followed by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, City of Miami Fire Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Coast Guard.

Three victims were taken to Miami-Dade Marina, while two children were transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital and later pronounced dead.

The Coast Guard confirmed that two other children remain hospitalized in critical condition. One child and the counselor were evaluated on-site but not taken to a hospital.

A Coast Guard small boat crew established a 250-yard safety zone around the site, where the submerged sailboat remains under the barge.

Camp confirms children were part of youth sailing program

The Miami Yacht Club confirmed that the children involved were part of its summer program, the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation.

“At this time, details are still emerging, and we are actively gathering all available facts,” the club 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.”

The investigation remains ongoing.