At around 11 a.m. on Monday, the flat-bottomed vessel hit a sailboat carrying five children and a camp counselor who were part of a local summer sailing program, throwing them into the water off Miami Beach near Hibiscus Island. Divers and rescue boats from several agencies responded and pulled all six people from the water, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
"There was a massive boat, and it hit one of the small sailboats, and all the kids went flying off," a witness told CBS News.
Miami Yacht Club, which has been teaching children, teenagers, and adults how to sail since 1927, confirmed on social media that the victims were part of the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation.
"The Miami Yacht Club can confirm that an incident occurred earlier today on the water involving youth participants of the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation," the club wrote in an Instagram post. "At this time, details are still emerging, and we are actively gathering all available facts. 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."
Here's what to know:
Where did the crash happen?
The collision happened between Monument and Hibiscus islands in Miami Beach.
What time did it happen?
The sailboat capsized around 11:15 a.m. on Monday, around which time authorities reportedly received several calls reporting a submerged vessel with missing occupants.
How did the collision occur?
A large barge hit the sailboat, causing the barge to go over the top of the boat, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). In a Tuesday afternoon press conference, Capt. Frank Florio, deputy commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami, said the barge was "supporting construction operations" in Miami Beach.
How many people died?
Two of the six people were declared dead upon arrival at Jackson Memorial Hospital, including a 7-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl, according to the Coast Guard. Argentine news outlets reported that the 7-year-old was Mila Yankelevich, the granddaughter of television producers Gustavo Yankelevich and Cris Morena.
How many people were injured?
A 12-year-old girl and a 19-year-old woman were rescued from the water in "good condition." As of Tuesday afternoon, an 8-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl remained in critical condition after the collision.
What summer camp was involved?
The group was part of a summer sailing camp at the Miami Yacht Club run by the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation, according to the club.
Who is investigating?
The FWC and the U.S. Coast Guard are investigating the incident. Florio said Coast Guard officials have interviewed the barge captain, who was administered a sobriety test, and believe all girls were wearing life jackets at the time of the collision.
