Two children dead after sailboat and barge collision off Miami Beach, officials say

Two children were killed and four others injured Monday after a barge struck a sailboat near Star Island, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Children, counselor pulled from water

At approximately 11:30 a.m., Coast Guard Sector Miami received a report from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue of a collision between a sailboat and a barge near Hibiscus Island. Officials said six people—an adult female counselor and five children ranging in age from 8 to 12—entered the water. The sailboat sank following the impact.

Three victims were transported to Miami-Dade Marina and two were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. One person remains unresponsive, according to the Coast Guard.

Massive multi-agency search effort

Florida Fish and Wildlife officials said their officers responded to the crash along with multiple agencies.

A collective dive and water rescue effort involved Miami Beach Fire Rescue, City of Miami Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and law enforcement from both cities…

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