Two children have died and another seriously hurt after a barge struck their sailboat off Miami Beach.
Five members of a youth sailing camp were near Star Island along with an adult counselor when the barge hit their boat around 11.15am on Monday, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
‘All six individuals, an adult female and five juveniles, were recovered from the water and transported to a local hospital for treatment,’ stated the commission on X (formerly Twitter).
‘Tragically, two of the victims have succumbed to their injuries.’
Two children were pronounced dead at Jackson Memorial Hospital and that ‘one is currently unresponsive’, stated the US Coast Guard in the afternoon. A fourth victim suffered abrasions and is in stable condition.
The children ranged in age from seven to 12.
A seven-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl were killed, and an eight-year-old girl and 11-year-old girl were injured, officials said.
The four children and adult who survived were taken to the Miami Yacht Club.
Victims were not immediately identified.
‘It was a trying day for all involved,’ said Miami Fire Rescue Lt Pete Sanchez, according to Local10.
‘Most of us have kids, so it is difficult to see.’
The Miami Yacht Club in an Instagram post confirmed that the incident occurred and that they were ‘actively gathering all available facts’.
‘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,’ stated the club.
Footage from Sky10 showed first responders doing chest compressions on one of the victims and several divers in the water.
Both the Coast Guard and the commission are investigating the incident.
‘We extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected by this heartbreaking loss,’ wrote the commission.
‘Our thoughts remain with them during this profoundly difficult time.’
