Third Child Dies in Miami Biscayne Bay Sailing Collision – Grief Shakes Entire Sailing Community
In a poignant statement, Miami’s sailing fraternity is grappling with profound sorrow following the demise of a third child on July 31, six days after a sailboat and barge collision in Biscayne Bay.
The incident occurred between Monument and Hibiscus Islands around 11 a.m. on July 28. Five individuals, including five girls aged between 7 and 13, and a 19-year-old woman, were sent into the water following the collision as per a Coast Guard press release.
The sailing vessel was subsequently submerged beneath the barge post-collision, according to Petty Officer Nicholas Strasburg’s statements to CNN.
Upon arrival at the hospital, two girls aged 7 and 13 were declared deceased, while two others remained in critical condition after their rescue, as per the Coast Guard’s report.
On July 31, the Coast Guard announced the passing of the critically injured 10-year-old child at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Stricken with grief, the Miami Yacht Club expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of the young sailor. In a Facebook statement, they lamented that this tragic news follows the loss of two other young sailors immediately following the incident and the passing of a third sailor has left the entire sailing community devastated.
The yacht club conveyed their condolences to the families, acknowledging the unbearable pain they are experiencing. They pledged their full support to the families, counselors, and every member of the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation during this difficult time.
The yacht club also emphasized that this tragedy has affected not only the sailing community but everyone who cherishes Biscayne Bay and the joy brought by these young lives.
Captain Frank Florio, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Miami, expressed his condolences in a Sunday statement, expressing sympathy for all those impacted by the tragedy, particularly with the passing of another child from Miami on July 31.
Florio confirmed that the Coast Guard will conduct a comprehensive investigation, with assistance from investigators from Argentina, the home nation of one of the victims, and the Chilean National Maritime Authority (DIRECTEMAR), who were invited to join the investigation.
In a statement issued on July 31, the Coast Guard confirmed that both parties involved in the accident – those on the tug and barge as well as the sailboat operator – tested negative for drugs and alcohol.
Previously reported by The Associated Press, the children were participating in their final week of a sailing camp for children aged 7-15 at the time of the incident.
Family friends identified one of the deceased girls as the granddaughter of prominent Argentine television producers.