Speedboat operator charged in New York Harbor capsizing that killed mother and infant
Manuel Hernandez was charged in federal court with causing the deaths of Sara Sanchez and her 5-month-old daughter after their speedboat capsized near the Statue of Liberty, while twelve other passengers were rescued.
Manuel Hernandez, 46, appeared in Manhattan federal court on Monday and was charged with causing the deaths of a 27-year-old mother and her infant daughter after their 22-foot Yamaha speedboat overturned near the Statue of Liberty late Saturday. Hernandez was not required to enter a plea and was released on bail.
The accident left Sara Sanchez and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, dead, while twelve other passengers were rescued and are in stable condition, authorities said. The vessel was recovered and taken to the New York Police Department’s harbor unit facility on Randall’s Island.
State charges were initially filed over the weekend, but prosecutors indicated the case will proceed in federal court. Coast Guard Sector New York commander Capt. Doreen McCarthy said the rescue of survivors resulted from swift actions by multiple agencies and a good-samaritan vessel.
A GoFundMe campaign launched to assist the victims’ family raised more than $25,000 by Tuesday. Community members described the deceased as hardworking and well-known in the neighborhood.