Few days after a sailboat and barge collision that claimed two lives near Hibiscus Island, Miami Beach, the US Coast Guard reported on Sunday the passing of the 10-year-old child that was in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
“Our hearts continue to mourn with all those impacted by Monday’s tragic incident, especially with the passing of another one of Miami’s children today,” said Capt. Frank Florio, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Miami.
The collision between the two vessels occurred about 11 a.m. on July 28 when Miami-Dade fire rescue notified the Coast Guard about the crash. As a result of the incident, six people reportedly entered the water near Hibiscus Island.
Two girls, ages 7 and 13, were declared dead, and two others were in critical condition after their rescue, the Coast Guard said on July 28.
Officials said a 12-year-old girl and a 19-year-old female were rescued.
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) and Coast Guard Station Miami Beach.
Coast Guard officials said all six people were recovered, whilst two of the six were declared deceased upon arrival to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
One additional victim, a 10-year-old child that was in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital passed while surrounded by her immediate family, the Coast Guard said.
“The Coast Guard remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation to ensure all facts are uncovered. We routinely seek the expertise of our federal, state, and local partner law enforcement agencies, and this case is no different. Our investigative team will be joined by investigators from Argentina, the home nation of one of the victims,” said Capt. Frank Florio.
The investigation remains ongoing about the potential causes of the collision.
The Coast Guard has also extended an invitation to the Chilean National Maritime Authority (DIRECTEMAR) to participate in the marine investigation.
