Local News
Search and Rescue Underway After Barge-Sailboat Collision Near Hibiscus Island in Biscayne Bay
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway following a serious watercraft collision involving a barge and a sailboat near 131 North Hibiscus Drive in Biscayne Bay, off the coast of Miami Beach.
The incident occurred just before noon on Monday, when authorities received reports of a submerged sailboat near Hibiscus Island, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the call was initially reported as a vessel in distress, with people potentially trapped or missing.
Fireboats, dive teams, and air rescue units were quickly dispatched to the scene.
At least two individuals were pulled from the water, and CPR was in progress on at least one pediatric victim, officials confirmed.
The full number of individuals aboard the sailboat at the time of the incident remains uncertain, and additional victims may still be missing.
Rescue divers and marine units are actively searching the surrounding waters for any remaining passengers.
The circumstances leading up to the collision between the barge and the sailboat have not yet been determined.
Local and federal marine authorities are expected to open a formal investigation into the cause of the crash once the rescue phase concludes.
Hibiscus Island, a gated residential community in Biscayne Bay, was temporarily closed to non-emergency traffic as crews continued rescue efforts.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Authorities urge boaters and residents in the area to remain clear of the scene to allow emergency operations to continue without obstruction.
Local News
High-Angle Rescue in Progress After Teen Climbs 900-Foot KSDK TV Transmission Tower in Affton
AFFTON, MO — Emergency crews are conducting a high-angle rescue operation in Affton, Missouri, after a 17-year-old male reportedly climbed nearly 900 feet up a television transmission tower belonging to local station KSDK on Heege Road.
According to officials with the Lemay Fire Protection District, the call for assistance came in around 2:30 p.m. when witnesses reported seeing the teenager scaling the tower.
Responding units from both the Affton Fire Protection District and Lemay Fire Protection District quickly arrived on scene and established a command post at the base of the structure.
Fire officials confirmed that the individual, described as a 17-year-old male, was observed barefoot and positioned approximately 850 feet above the ground.
Authorities say they believe the teen may be under the influence of alcohol or another substance, though that has not been confirmed.
Specialized technical rescue teams are currently coordinating efforts to reach and safely bring the teen down from the tower.
The operation is described as extremely dangerous and complex, given the height and structural conditions.
Law enforcement personnel have secured the surrounding area, and roads near the tower have been closed as a precaution while emergency crews work.
This is a developing situation, and updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.