Tragedy in Biscayne Bay: Two Children Killed in Miami Beach Sailing Camp Collision

A boat crash in Biscayne Bay on July 28, 2025, resulted in profound tragedy: two children lost their lives, and others suffered critical injuries. The collision occurred near Miami Beach between a sailboat that was part of a youth sailing camp and a commercial barge.

This horrible event has caused unimaginable grief for the families involved and the broader South Florida community. Our hearts break for the loss of these young lives and for all of the families involved. As trial lawyers and members of this community, we are committed to fighting for safety and accountability on the water. Something like this should never happen.

What happened: Facts of the collision

On Monday, July 28, 2025, a small sailboat from the Miami Yacht Club’s summer youth sailing program and a large commercial barge collided between Hibiscus Island and Monument Island, in Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach.

According to early reports, there were six people on the sailboat, including five children and one adult camp counselor. Two of the children, a 7-year-old and a 13-year-old girl, died as a result of the crash. Two other girls were critically injured. One child and the adult counselor were evaluated at the scene but not hospitalized.

The emergency response and witness statements

Emergency responders from Miami Beach Fire Rescue, City of Miami, and Miami-Dade County rushed to the scene. Multiple children were transported to Jackson Memorial’s Ryder Trauma Center.

Witness reports indicate that the sailboat submerged beneath the barge. Eyewitness testimony included a statement from a nine-year-old child who said that “all the kids went flying off” when the two vessels collided. Another child stated that they could hear screams from beneath the barge’s crane.

The Miami Yacht Club, which runs the youth camp along with the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation, issued a statement, which reads, “Our priority is the safety and well-being of everyone involved, and we are working closely with the appropriate authorities and organizations to understand the situation fully.”

Who had the right of way?

A crash of this nature involving children in a sailing program should never happen. This tragedy raises urgent questions about vessel operation, safety planning, and supervision. There are laws in place that are intended to prevent this type of tragedy. Under Rule 18(a)(iv), power-driven vessels (in this case, the barge) are generally required to yield to sailing vessels.

 

However, the law includes some exceptions. Rule 18(b)(ii) applies when a vessel has a restricted ability to maneuver. If the barge qualifies as a vessel with restricted movement, this could change the analysis regarding which operator is responsible. Additionally, Rule 8(a-f) states that all vessels share a duty to avoid collisions through early, positive action and good seamanship. An in-depth investigation will be necessary to determine who may bear responsibility for this crash.

There are also questions as to why the camp was operating so close to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW). These waters are known to be congested, with a high volume of commercial shipping traffic and recreational boating. Some of the liability may relate to the decision to operate a sailboat with so many children on board, and only one counselor, in this high-traffic location.

Questions that need answers

This devastating crash brings up several questions. First, why were children sailing in such a heavily trafficked area? Did the sailboat have adequate adult supervision for a group of minor children? Did either vessel violate navigation rules? What and who could have prevented this unimaginable tragedy?

Sadly, this is not the first terrible crash to occur near Miami. On February 11, 2024, a collision took place between the Thriller Tour Boat and another vessel near the Port of Miami. That crash led to 29 injuries, 13 hospitalizations, including one catastrophic injury victim, whom we represented. That case settled for $5 million in insurance coverage from both boats. This horrific event must be scrutinized, and there needs to be accountability for this unbearable loss of life, and for the catastrophic injuries the surviving victims suffered. There are currently two children still facing a long and challenging recovery from critical injuries.

Hickey Law Firm fights for victims of maritime tragedies

At the Hickey Law Firm, our mission is to seek justice for the victims of maritime accidents. Jack Hickey is a Board Certified attorney in Admiralty & Maritime Law with a proven record in boat crash and recreational watercraft injury litigation. We are devoted to helping families dealing with loss, trauma, and catastrophic injuries.

These were children learning to sail on a summer day in one of Miami’s most iconic bays. Their lives should never have ended this way. The Hickey Law Firm will continue to monitor developments in this investigation. We stand ready to help victims and families pursue justice. Call us or fill out our contact form to speak to one of our compassionate maritime injury lawyers.