Heartbreaking Barge Collision Claims Lives of Two Young Girls

Emergency response teams conduct a rescue operation after a tragic barge collision in Biscayne Bay.

News Summary

A tragic barge collision in Biscayne Bay led to the deaths of two young girls and left two others critically injured. A sailboat carrying six individuals was struck, prompting swift emergency responses. The Miami community mourns the loss as an investigation unfolds into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking accident.

Heartbreaking Barge Collision Claims Lives of Two Young Girls in Miami

In a tragic turn of events, two children lost their lives and two others were left fighting for their lives after a barge collided with a sailboat in Biscayne Bay. The accident took place around 11:15 a.m. on July 28, 2025, between Hibiscus Island and Monument Island, shaking the local community and leaving many in disbelief.

The Ill-Fated Trip

The sailboat involved was carrying six individuals, including a 19-year-old adult counselor and five enthusiastic young sailors—all participating in a summer camp organized by the Miami Yacht Club in partnership with the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation. On what should have been a fun-filled day out on the water, the group found themselves in a situation no one could have predicted.

When the barge struck the sailboat, the impact was severe enough to send all six people tumbling into the water. The sudden collision formed a scene that shocked nearby bystanders, who reported seeing children literally “going flying off” into the bay. In the aftermath, eyewitness accounts indicated that some of the youngsters were initially trapped underneath the barge, intensifying the urgency of the rescue efforts.

Emergency Response

Swift action was taken by emergency response teams from Miami Beach, the City of Miami, and Miami-Dade County, who rushed to the scene to offer assistance. As they set up a safety perimeter around the submerged sailboat, frantic search and rescue operations began. The community watched in shock and fear as authorities worked diligently to secure the area and locate all missing individuals.

The Aftermath

Four kids were transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where the gravity of the incident quickly became evident: two of the children, an 8-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl, were listed in critical condition. Sadly, the local community was rocked by the news that a 7-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl did not survive this horrific incident.

The adult counselor and a 12-year-old girl managed to escape the situation without requiring hospitalization, but the emotional scars of the day will be felt deeply.

Investigation Underway

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is heading the investigation into this tragic incident, delving into details that are still unraveling. Reports began flooding in regarding a submerged vessel and missing occupants shortly after the collision occurred, intensifying the need for clarity and understanding about what led to this heartbreaking accident.

Community Grieves

In the wake of this tragic event, the Miami Yacht Club expressed their deepest condolences, underscoring a strong commitment to the safety and well-being of everyone involved. The incident has left an indelible mark on the community, with families and friends mourning the young lives lost and hoping for a swift recovery for those still in critical condition.

As the investigation continues, residents and loved ones are left grappling with questions and grief. With more details expected to emerge in the coming days, the hope remains that this tragedy will prompt a reevaluation of boating safety and protocols to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Please join the community in sending thoughts and prayers to those affected. Together, we can provide support and solace as they navigate this unimaginably difficult time.