Miami Sailing Camp Barge Collision Claims Third Child’s Life

Three children have died as a result of a collision in Biscayne Bay involving a sailboat and a barge. On July 28, 2025, at about 11:15 a.m., a construction barge operating between Hibiscus Island and Monument Island collided with a sailboat carrying five children and a teenage counselor participating in a youth sailing camp run by the Miami Yacht Club and Miami Youth Sailing Foundation.

Two girls―aged 7 and 13―died at the scene; a third child— aged 10—died days later. Another 8-year-old remains hospitalized in critical condition. The counselor and another older child were treated and released. One survivor, a 7-year-old girl, was reportedly trapped momentarily under the barge but escaped by swimming free. She was hospitalized with severe lacerations and other injuries but has since been released.

Rescue efforts involved multiple agencies—including Miami Beach Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, local fire departments, and U.S. Coast Guard Station Miami Beach.

The U.S. Coast Guard immediately began salvage operations and launched a full investigation into the incident. Toxicology reports for the tugboat captain, barge crew, and sailboat operator were all negative, indicating no drug or alcohol involvement. Investigators are focusing on whether the barge’s crane obstructed the operator’s view or whether maneuvering protocols were followed in unrestricted waters.

About the Camp, Sailboat & Barge

The youth sailing camp is operated by the Miami Yacht Club in partnership with the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation, both based on Watson Island and known for providing sailing instruction and youth programs in Biscayne Bay. The vessel involved was a Hobie Getaway, a 17-foot sailboat commonly used in instructional settings. The barge was approximately 60 feet long, part of a marine construction operation in Miami Beach, and maneuvered via a tug with a crane and pilings attached—standard equipment for dock or seawall builds in the area.

Our thoughts are with the families of the children affected by this preventable tragedy.