Two children have died and another is unresponsive after a barge struck their sailboat off Miami Beach.
Five members of a youth sailing camp were near Star Island along with an adult counselor when the barge hit their boat around 11.15am on Monday, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
‘All six individuals, an adult female and five juveniles, were recovered from the water and transported to a local hospital for treatment,’ stated the commission on X (formerly Twitter).
‘Tragically, two of the victims have succumbed to their injuries.’
Two of the children were pronounced dead at Jackson Memorial Hospital and that ‘one is currently unresponsive’, stated the US Coast Guard in the afternoon.
The children ranged in age from seven to 12.
Victims were not immediately identified.
‘It was a trying day for all involved,’ said Miami Fire Rescue Lt Pete Sanchez, according to Local10.
‘Most of us have kids, so it is difficult to see.’
Both the Coast Guard and the commission are investigating the incident.
‘We extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected by this heartbreaking loss,’ wrote the commission.
‘Our thoughts remain with them during this profoundly difficult time.’
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