Sailboat Sinks in Biscayne Bay After Colliding with Barge, Injuring Children

Biscayne Bay Collision and Rescue

• 🚨 A sailboat carrying six individuals, including five children, collided with a barge in Biscayne Bay off Miami Beach.
• 🆘 A multi-agency search and rescue effort was launched, involving Miami Dade County Fire Rescue, City of Miami Fire Rescue, Miami Beach Fire Rescue, and FWC divers.
• 🏠 A residence on Hibiscus Island was used as a staging and triage ground for rescuers to bring victims ashore.

Victims and Hospitalization

• 🧒 Of the six on board, four children between the ages of 8 and 12 were transported to an area hospital.
• 🚑 Three children were in critical condition, and one was in stable condition with abrasions.
• 🏥 Four children are currently being treated at Jackson Memorial Hospital's trauma center.
• ⚠️ Three children were reportedly found stuck beneath the barge after the collision.

Incident Details and Investigation

• ⚓ The incident occurred around 11:16 AM when a barge struck the sailboat near Star Island.
• 🌊 All individuals on board were apparently thrown into the water during the collision.
• ⛵ The sailboat was operated by the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation, with a female adult counselor and five children on board.
• 🔍 The U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed it will lead the investigation into how the sailboat and barge intersected.

Witness Account and Community Reaction

• 👦 A 9-year-old camper, Enzo, who was on shore, described the immediate aftermath and the call for everyone to return to shore.
• 😔 Parents arriving for pickup at the Miami Yacht Club were informed of the extent of the accident.
• 🛥️ The Miami Yacht Club has requested privacy as they deal with the families and the ongoing investigation.