An investigation is currently ongoing after a tragic incident in Biscayne Bay near Miami resulted in the deaths of two girls from a sailing camp and critically injured two others.
The collision occurred on Monday morning when a tug and barge struck a sailboat carrying six individuals, including five young girls and a 19-year-old woman, near Hibiscus Island.
U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials reported that surveillance footage captured the barge slamming into the sailboat, resulting in a massive rescue operation as all six occupants were thrown into the water during the crash.
Two of the children—a 7-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl—were later pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital.
Meanwhile, an 8-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl sustained critical injuries, while a 12-year-old girl and the 19-year-old woman survived the incident.
Captain Frank Florio, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami, addressed the media on Tuesday evening, providing updates on the ongoing investigation and the condition of the two critically injured girls.
Florio indicated that the captain of the barge had been interviewed as part of the inquiry, and investigators were reviewing video evidence from the scene.
Additionally, alcohol and chemical tests were administered, with results pending.
According to preliminary information, it is believed that all girls were wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.
In a poignant statement, Florio expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, assuring them that the investigation would be taken seriously: “We will not take this lightly and we will not forget. We owe you answers and we are committed to finding them.”
The barge involved in the collision was reportedly engaged in construction work in the Miami Beach area at the time of the incident.
Aerial footage from Chopper 6 showed the damaged sailboat being towed from the crash site on Tuesday.
The group on the sailboat was part of the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation’s summer camp, an organization dedicated to teaching sailing fundamentals to children and adults alike, as stated by the Miami Yacht Club.
In response to the incident, the Miami Yacht Club announced on Instagram that they would be closed until further notice, highlighting that the entire sailing community is mourning this unthinkable tragedy.
“Our hearts are with the families who have been forever changed by these tragic events,” the club’s statement read, adding that they would support the Youth Sailing Foundation in the days ahead.
Local residents, including a boat owner who frequently sees the campers, expressed their sorrow over the incident.
Reflecting on their daily interactions with the children, she remarked, “Every day, you know in the mornings and the afternoons, just practicing and having fun.
They come and say ‘hi’ to me because I have a dog, and then they would say ‘hey, I love your dog’ and then they would jump in the water and swim.”
While she did not witness the collision itself, she saw first responders rush to the area shortly after.
Her immediate thought was for the children involved, describing the scene as “very sad.”
The Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continue to lead the investigation into this tragic incident, emphasizing the importance of safety on the water.
“We live in South Florida for a reason; we enjoy the waterways and that’s a part of our culture, that’s a part of our lifestyle,” said Florio, as he encouraged everyone to partake in water activities responsibly.
image source from：nbcmiami
