Two children dead after sailboat and barge collision off Miami Beach: Coast Guard

A collision between a sailboat and barge claimed two lives near Hibiscus Island, Miami Beach late Monday morning. The US Coast Guard said two girls ages 7 and 13 died, while two other girls ages 8 and 11 remain in critical condition. Officials said a 12-year-old girl and a 19-year-old female were rescued.

The collision between the two vessels occurred about 11 a.m. when Miami-Dade fire rescue notified the Coast Guard about the crash. As a result of the incident, six people reportedly entered the water near Hibiscus Island.

Miami Beach Fire Rescue crews were first on scene, then later joined by Miami-Dade Fire rescue, City of Miami Fire Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Coast Guard Station Miami Beach.

Coast Guard officials said all six people were recovered, whilst two of the six were declared deceased upon arrival to Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Meanwhile, a Coast Guard small boat crew arrived on scene to provide a safety zone.

As it is reported, the sailing vessel currently remains submerged under the barge, with sector