A tragic turn of events unfolded in Biscayne Bay off Miami Beach today when a sailboat carrying six individuals, including five children, capsized in the waters near Hibiscus Island. According to WSVN, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue received a distress call just before noon, reporting a submerged vessel. What ensued was a large-scale emergency response with fireboats and air rescue units rushing to the site.
Initial reports indicated at least two persons were pulled from the water, with onlookers witnessing victims receiving CPR as they were transported to command posts on the island. The urgency of the situation could not be understated; three of the children sustained critical injuries and were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital Trauma Center. One other child, found in stable condition, was also hospitalized, as detailed by NBC Miami. The adult female and another child on the boat did not require hospital transportation. Meanwhile, residents indicated that the area is commonly used by a sailing school for lessons, although it is currently unclear if the vessel was part of a class at the time of the incident.
The City of Miami Beach has confirmed that all victims have now been accounted for, with media directed to convene at 90 S Hibiscus Drive for updates on the incident. The Miami Beach Police Department's post stressed the involvement of multiple agencies in managing the critical incident.
MBPD is currently managing a multi-agency critical incident involving a capsized vessel and multiple victims between Monument Island and Hibiscus Island. All victims have been accounted for.
— Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) July 28, 2025
Media staging is located at 90 S Hibiscus Drive. pic.twitter.com/udcUVsHGB5
Diving into the rescue scenario, aerial footage captured by NBC Miami showcased multiple rescue boats and divers near a barge, indicative of the intensified search and recovery efforts. Lt. Pete Sanchez of Miami Fire Rescue outlined that of six patients rescued, three were hospitalized in critical condition. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has taken the lead on the investigation.
