Man Arrested After Boat Capsizes Near Statue of Liberty

A 46-year-old man faces charges of 13 counts of reckless endangerment after a tragic boat accident. The incident occurred near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor late Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of a 27-year-old woman and a five-month-old baby girl. The New York Police Department (NYPD) provided these details.

Manuel Hernandez was arrested at 2:27 a.m. on Sunday in connection with the capsizing of the boat. Emergency crews responded promptly after the boat overturned around 10:25 p.m. Twelve people were rescued, but the woman and infant were later found in the water by police divers. They were taken to a hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Fox News reported that the victims were found by NYPD divers after other passengers were rescued. Police have yet to confirm if the victims were related, and their identities remain unreleased.

The New York City Fire Department disclosed that two patients in critical condition were taken to NYU Langone Health Brooklyn. Additionally, 12 individuals with minor injuries were sent to local hospitals.

The vessel was identified as a 22-foot bowrider, as noted by Fox News citing a police source. The NYPD’s Harbor Unit, Scuba Team, and Aviation Unit responded to the scene, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Following the incident, the New York Post reported that survivors and family members gathered at the hospital, some still wearing life jackets. Emergency vessels conducted searches in the harbor after the accident.

The U.S. Coast Guard told CNN that an investigation would include interviewing the boat’s captain to determine why the vessel capsized. New York State law mandates that motorized vessel operators complete a state-approved boating safety course. Motorized boats usually require registration, and specific safety equipment is essential, including life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Children under 12 must wear an approved life jacket on vessels under 65 feet, except when in a fully enclosed cabin. Other safety rules concern flotation devices, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, distress signals, and engine cut-off devices, depending on various factors such as vessel type and operation area. Additional federal requirements may apply in New York Harbor.

Investigators have not clarified whether any safety regulations were breached during the incident on Saturday night.