A devastating boating accident in Biscayne Bay in South Florida claimed the lives of two girls and left several others critically injured, including a young Jewish girl, after a large barge collided with a summer camp sailboat carrying five children and a camp counselor.

A devastating boating accident in Biscayne Bay on Monday claimed the lives of two girls and left several others critically injured, including a young Jewish girl, after a large barge collided with a summer camp sailboat carrying five children and a camp counselor.

Shliach Rabbi Zalman Lipsker, from The Shul of Bal Harbour, confirmed that a young Jewish girl was among the injured. Please say Tehillim for Arielle Itke bas Rivka Aliza. She remains in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center.

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the tragic collision occurred around 11:15 a.m. near Hibiscus Island, when a massive barge crashed into the small sailboat, sending all six occupants—five children and a 19-year-old counselor—into the water. The sailboat, part of a sailing camp operated out of the Miami Yacht Club on Watson Island, was struck with such force that the barge reportedly rode up over the smaller vessel.

As of Monday night, officials confirmed that a 7-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl were killed in the crash. An 8-year-old and an 11-year-old girl remained in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center. A 12-year-old girl and the 19-year-old female counselor were rescued and evaluated by paramedics at the Miami Yacht Club. The 12-year-old did not require hospitalization.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which is leading the investigation, said the sailboat remains submerged beneath the barge. A 250-foot safety zone has been established around the site as recovery efforts continue. Salvage crews are awaiting the arrival of a heavier crane to safely lift the barge and recover the submerged vessel.

Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials are examining AIS tracking data, communication records, and witness statements to determine speed, right-of-way, and lookout practices at the time of the collision. No charges have been issued.

Please say Tehillim for Arielle Itke bas Rivka Aliza.