Operator of Capsized Boat in New York Harbor Faces Charges

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

The incident occurred on a 22-foot Bayliner speedboat that overturned around 10:25 p.m. on Saturday near Liberty Island. Liberty Island is home to the Statue of Liberty. The Coast Guard reported that twelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived. Later, divers located the 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old daughter submerged. They were taken to a hospital, where both were pronounced dead. The other passengers remain in stable condition.

Captain Doreen McCarthy of the Coast Guard Sector New York expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. She extended condolences to the victims’ families and appreciated the quick actions of partner agencies and a Good Samaritan vessel that helped rescue survivors.

Manuel Hernandez, a 46-year-old resident of New York, has been charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment. Authorities have not released a contact number for him, and his case record is not yet available online.

Police have withheld the identities of the victims until their families are notified. Meanwhile, Coast Guard investigators are working alongside police to thoroughly investigate the incident. The goal is to hold those responsible accountable for any legal violations.

An illegal charter is any passenger-for-hire vessel that operates without proper Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment, and inspection certificates.