Two children have died and a third is unresponsive after a sailboat hit a barge and capsized in Florida throwing five kids overboard.
The frightening incident took place on Monday just before noon as rescuers pulled victims from Biscayne Bay after the sailboat started sinking into the water.
The US Coastguard confirmed that two children had died in the collision after being taken to Ryder Trauma Center, a third child who was also taken to hospital is not responsive.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said that the vessel had been carrying six people, an adult female and five juveniles.
An update said: ‘All six individuals were recovered from the water and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
‘Tragically, two of the victims have succumbed to their injuries. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected by this heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts remain with them during this profoundly difficult time.’
Paramedics were seen performing chest compressions on at least one victim while several divers were spotted in the water off Hibiscus Island in Miami Beach.
The frightening incident took place on Monday just before noon as rescuers pulled victims from Biscayne Bay
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said that the vessel had been carrying six people, an adult female and five juveniles
In an update to X around 12.30pm, the Miami Beach Police Department said all victims had been found and accounted for – but the majority of the children were injured.
The children are between the ages of eight and 12, according to authorities.
The sailboat was part of the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation, according to the Miami Yacht Club.
In a statement, they said: ‘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.
‘This is a developing situation, and we ask for understanding and patience as we verify information.
‘Additional statements will be provided as soon as more confirmed details become available.’
