A third child has died following a collision between a sailboat and a barge in Biscayne Bay, the Coast Guard confirmed Sunday. The 10-year-old girl passed away six days after the incident, which occurred between Monument and Hibiscus Islands in South Florida.
Five girls ranging in age from seven to 13, along with their sailing instructor, a 19-year-old woman, were thrown into the water during the July 28 crash, which saw the sailboat pulled under the barge in the collision.
Two of the girls, ages seven and 13, were pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after the incident. Two others, ages eight and 10, were rescued in critical condition, and a 12-year-old girl and the instructor were also rescued, the Coast Guard said.
“It is with heavy hearts that Coast Guard investigators announce the passing of the 10-year-old child that was in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital,” the Coast Guard said in a statement Sunday.
“This devastating news comes after two young sailors lost their lives in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. Now, with the passing of a third sailor, the entire sailing community is shattered by grief,” the Miami Yacht Club said in a statement with the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation.
“Our hearts are broken for these families. There are no words that can ease this pain, but we stand in full solidarity with the families, counselors, and every member of the YSF during this unthinkable nightmare,” the statement continued.
The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the collision. It said in a statement on Thursday that alcohol and drug testing for both individuals onboard the tug and barge as well as the sailboat operator were negative.
