On Monday, July 28, 2025, tragedy struck the waters of Biscayne Bay in Miami when a barge collided with a sailboat carrying five young girls and their adult counselor, sending the vessel capsizing and plunging its passengers into the water. The incident, which occurred around 11:15 a.m. near North Hibiscus Drive and close to Hibiscus and Monument Islands, resulted in the deaths of two children and left two others critically injured, according to officials.
The sailboat was part of a youth sailing camp organized by the Miami Yacht Club and the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation, catering to children aged between 7 and 15. The girls on board, all female and between 8 and 12 years old, were in their final week of camp activities when the accident occurred. The adult counselor was also on board at the time.
Responders from multiple agencies, including Miami Beach, the city of Miami, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDRF), swiftly converged on the scene. Divers and swimmers from these agencies worked tirelessly to rescue all six individuals from the water. Despite their efforts, two children were pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital, and two others remain in critical condition. One child was treated for minor injuries, and two of the six rescued were reported to be in good condition.
The sailboat itself remained submerged beneath the barge in Biscayne Bay, a body of water known for its scenic islands such as Star Island, which is dotted with luxurious mansions. Eyewitness accounts described the barge’s crane as having "completely destroyed the boat," with one young girl recounting hearing a child shout for help from beneath the crane.
Miami Fire Rescue Lieutenant Pete Sanchez confirmed the severity of the crash, stating, "The vessel was struck somehow, that had five children on board and a camp counselor. We had divers and swimmers from all agencies to be able to get all children on board." Meanwhile, former sailing camp attendee Enzo Piffartti described the moment, saying, "There was a massive boat, and it hit one of the small sailboats, and all the kids went flying off." Local news footage showed first responders performing CPR on at least one person while divers searched the water for survivors.
The cause of the collision remains unknown, and it is still unclear whether the children were wearing life jackets at the time. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has taken charge of the investigation, with the U.S. Coast Guard also conducting a thorough inquiry into the crash. Capt. Frank Florio, commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami, expressed the gravity of the incident, saying, "Our hearts are with the families of those lost and all who have been affected by this tragedy. Incidents like this leave a lasting impact on our maritime community and reinforce the importance of learning from every loss. The Coast Guard will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the causal factors and identify steps to help prevent similar tragedies in the future. We remain steadfast in our commitment to accountability, improvement, and the shared responsibility of ensuring safety at sea."
Across the United States, recreational boating remains a significant risk, with over 550 deaths reported last year. However, only a small fraction of those—43 fatalities—were due to collisions between vessels, underscoring the rarity yet devastating impact of such accidents.
The Miami Yacht Club, which hosts the sailing camp on Watson Island, released a statement expressing profound sorrow over the incident: "The entire MYC family is devastated by this terrible tragedy. At this time, details are still emerging, and we are actively gathering all available facts. Our priority is the safety and well-being of everyone involved, and we are working closely with the appropriate authorities and organizations to understand the situation fully." The club confirmed that the young sailors were members of the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also voiced her condolences, saying, "I’m absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news that two children have died in a boat accident in Miami Beach today. While many details remain unknown, our thoughts are with their families, and we pray for the full recovery of all those affected by this horrific incident."
The accident has sent shockwaves through the local community and the broader maritime world, highlighting the dangers inherent in water sports and the critical importance of safety protocols. As investigations continue, authorities aim to uncover the precise sequence of events leading to the collision and to implement measures that will prevent such a heartbreaking event from recurring.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Miami Yacht Club and various emergency agencies are expected to review safety procedures, especially concerning youth sailing programs. The loss of young lives and the trauma experienced by survivors and their families underscore the urgent need for vigilance on the water, particularly in busy and complex environments like Biscayne Bay.
This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable hazards that can accompany recreational boating, even in well-supervised settings. As the community mourns, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families, caring for the injured, and ensuring that lessons learned translate into stronger safety measures for all who venture onto the water.
