According to a recent report from the U.S. Coast Guard, a tragic incident occurred near Hibiscus Island in Miami, Florida, where a sailboat collided with a barge on Monday. This unfortunate event led to the loss of two young lives—a 7-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl—who were pronounced dead upon reaching Jackson Memorial Hospital. Additionally, an 8-year-old and an 11-year-old girl are currently in critical condition, while two others—a 12-year-old and a 19-year-old—were successfully rescued from the water.
The Coast Guard Sector Miami was alerted about the collision by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue around 11 AM after reports surfaced that six individuals had fallen into the water. The first responders included Miami Beach Fire Rescue,followed by various agencies such as City of Miami fire Rescue and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation commission.
Initial findings suggest that the barge struck the sailing vessel carrying six people close to Star Island in Miami Beach. as it stands now, the sailboat is submerged beneath the barge, prompting Sector Miami to establish a safety perimeter of 250 yards around the site.“Our thoughts are with those affected by this heartbreaking event,” stated Capt. Frank Florio from Coast Guard Sector Miami. “Tragedies like this resonate deeply within our maritime community and highlight how crucial it is indeed for us to learn from these experiences.” He emphasized that thorough investigations will be conducted to uncover what went wrong and how similar incidents can be avoided in future scenarios.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of maritime safety’s importance—not just for those directly involved but for everyone who enjoys or works on our waters. It’s essential for boaters to stay informed about navigation rules and safety protocols to prevent such heart-wrenching occurrences moving forward.
