Tragedy for youth sailing program

Two children participating in a Miami Yacht Club youth sailing program are dead after a collision between their sailboat and a barge on July 28, 2025. All six people on the sailboat – an adult female counselor and five children – were recovered from the capsized vessel.

The deceased were pronounced dead at the hospital and two more children are in critical condition. The counselor and remaining child are in good condition. Deceased are a 7-year-old female and 13-year-old female. In critical condition are an 8-year-old female and an 11-year-old female. Rescued were a 12-year-old female and a 19-year-old female.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Miami received notification from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue of a vessel collision between a sailboat and barge around 11:00 am near Hibiscus Island on Biscayne Bay. By late afternoon, the sailing vessel remained submerged under the barge.

“Our hearts are with the families of those lost and all who have been affected by this tragedy,” said Capt. Frank Florio, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami. “Incidents like this leave a lasting impact on our maritime community and reinforce the importance of learning from every loss.

“The Coast Guard will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the causal factors and identify steps to help prevent similar tragedies in the future. We remain steadfast in our commitment to accountability, improvement, and the shared responsibility of ensuring safety at sea.”

The Miami Yacht Club Youth Sailing Foundation organized an eight-week summer program in 2025 from June 9 to August 1 which includes sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, stand up paddle, and environmental discovery.

This is a developing story being updated when new information becomes available.