Captain Arrested After Boat Capsizes in New York Harbor, Killing Mother and Infant
A vessel carrying 14 people overturned near Liberty Island, killing a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old baby; the captain was arrested on reckless endangerment charges while authorities probe the boat's legal status.
A boat carrying 14 passengers capsized near Liberty Island in New York Harbor at about 10:55 p.m. on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old daughter. Police and Coast Guard responders rescued 12 other occupants, most of whom were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. The victims, identified as Sara Sanchez and her infant Antonella Garcia, were pronounced dead after arrival at NYU Langone Hospital.
The Coast Guard confirmed that the vessel's captain, 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez, was arrested on 13 counts of reckless endangerment. Investigators are also examining whether the boat was operating as an illegal charter, which would require Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment, and inspection certificates.
A nearby vessel, Sea the City, reported spotting the capsized boat and helped rescue 11 people from the water. The Coast Guard Sector New York commander, Doreen McCarthy, thanked partner agencies and the Good Samaritan vessel for their swift response.
Police continue to investigate the cause of the overturning.