Boat Capsizing in New York Harbor Leads to Criminal Charges Against Operator

The operator of a boat that capsized in New York Harbor, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her infant daughter, now faces criminal charges. Authorities are investigating if the boat was operating as an illegal charter, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The incident occurred when a 22-foot Bayliner speedboat overturned near Liberty Island, a landmark housing the Statue of Liberty, around 10:25 p.m. on Saturday. The Coast Guard reported that twelve individuals were rescued from the water before authorities arrived on the scene. Police divers later found a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old daughter in the water. Unfortunately, they were declared dead at a local hospital.

The other passengers were in stable condition, shared the Coast Guard. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night, and our thoughts are with the victims’ family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said Captain Doreen McCarthy, Commander of the Coast Guard Sector New York. She expressed gratitude for the swift, heroic actions of partner agencies and a Good Samaritan vessel that assisted in the rescue efforts.

Manuel Hernandez, aged 46 from New York, has been charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment. Efforts to contact him were unsuccessful as no phone number was available Sunday, and the case has yet to appear in online court records. Police have withheld the victims’ identities, pending notification of their family members.

Captain McCarthy stated that Coast Guard investigators are collaborating with the police to thoroughly investigate the incident and are determined to hold lawbreakers accountable. An illegal charter is defined by the Coast Guard as a passenger-for-hire vessel that lacks necessary credentials, safety equipment, and inspection certificates.