MIAMI (AP) — Authorities reported that during a sailing camp in Miami on Monday, a barge collided with and capsized a boat, resulting in the deaths of two children and critically injuring two others.
Responders retrieved all six individuals from the water, with four children being swiftly transported to a nearby hospital where two were pronounced dead, stated Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Strasburg, a spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard.
Two of the six who were rescued were in “good condition,” Strasburg said.
The six — one adult and five kids — were in their last week of the sailing camp for children aged 7 to 15, according to the Miami Yacht Club.
“The entire MYC family is devastated by this terrible tragedy,” said Emily Copeland, the commodore of the yacht club, in a statement.
The boat remained submerged beneath the barge in Biscayne Bay — a water area situated between Miami and Miami Beach, known for its small islands like Star Island, lined with luxurious mansions.
Across the U.S. last year, there were over 550 deaths in recreational boating, but only a sliver of those — 43 — were caused by vessels crashing into each other, according to Coast Guard statistics.
“The Coast Guard will conduct a thorough investigation,” said Capt. Frank Florio, who heads the Coast Guard’s Miami sector, in a statement. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to accountability, improvement, and the shared responsibility of ensuring safety at sea.”
Local television stations showed first responders, some in scuba diving gear, in boats around what appears to be a barge. The Coast Guard is investigating the crash.
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Bedayn reported from Denver.
