Boat Capsizing Near Statue of Liberty Results in Arrest and Tragedy

A 46-year-old man faces 13 counts of reckless endangerment following a fatal boating accident near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. The NYPD reported the incident occurred late Saturday night, leading to the death of a 27-year-old woman and a five-month-old baby girl.

Manuel Hernandez was arrested early Sunday morning at 2:27 a.m. in connection with the accident, according to the NYPD. The boat overturned around 10:25 p.m., and subsequent efforts by police divers recovered the woman and infant from the water. They were immediately taken to a hospital but were declared dead upon arrival.

This tragic incident also involved 12 other individuals who were rescued. The New York City Fire Department confirmed that two of the injured were in critical condition and were transported to NYU Langone Health Brooklyn. Twelve others with minor injuries were treated at local hospitals.

The boat, identified as a 22-foot bowrider, capsized, prompting a response from the NYPD’s Harbor Unit, Scuba Team, and Aviation Unit, alongside the U.S. Coast Guard. Ongoing investigations include interviews with the boat’s captain to determine the cause of the accident.

New York State law mandates that operators of motorized vessels complete a state-approved boating safety course and register motorized boats. Regulations also require vessels to have safety equipment such as life jackets, navigation lights, and other safety devices depending on the vessel’s use and location.

The identities of the deceased have not been released, and it remains unclear if the two victims were related. Investigators continue to examine whether any safety violations contributed to the incident on Saturday night.