Tragedy in Biscayne Bay: Two Girls Killed in Sailing Camp Collision

A devastating crash in Biscayne Bay left two young girls dead and two others critically injured after a barge struck a sailboat near Hibiscus Island on Monday. The victims were part of a Miami Youth Sailing Foundation summer camp.

Surveillance footage captured the barge slamming into the small sailboat, which held six people — five girls aged 7 to 13, and a 19-year-old woman. All were thrown into the water. Despite a swift rescue, a 7-year-old and a 13-year-old were pronounced dead at the hospital. An 8-year-old and an 11-year-old remain in critical condition.

The Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife officials are investigating the collision. A local boat owner, familiar with the children’s daily sailing routines, said, “It was very sad. As soon as I saw [the commotion], I knew it was one of the kids.”