Seatrade Maritime: Two dead in collision between sailboat and barge in Miami

Two girls aged seven and 13 were killed when a sailboat and barge collided on 28 July morning in the vicinity of Hibiscus Island, Miami, according to the US Coast Guard Southern District. Two more females aged eight and 11 were critically injured in the accident, while a 12-year-old and a 19-year-old female were rescued.

The USCG said that all six people were recovered and two were declared deceased upon arrival to Jackson Memorial Hospital.

The coast guard said the sailing vessel was submerged under the barge and small boat crew was maintaining a 250-yard safety zone.

According to the USCG it was notified of the collision between the sailboat and the barge at around 11am on 28 July.

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.