MIAMI – U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami crews are investigating a vessel collision near Hibiscus Island, Monday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Miami received notification from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue of a vessel collision between a sailboat and barge around 11 a.m., reporting that six people entered the water near Hibiscus Island. Miami Beach Fire Rescue crews were first on scene, then later joined by Miami-Dade Fire rescue, City of Miami Fire Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Coast Guard Station Miami Beach. All six people were recovered. Two of the six people were declared deceased upon arrival to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
"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.”
A Coast Guard small boat crew arrived on scene to provide a safety zone. At this time, the sailing vessel remains submerged under the barge and Sector Miami is maintaining a 250-yard safety zone.
U.S. Coast Guard, working in conjunction with FWC, is investigating the accident.
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