U.S. officials move to deport boat captain charged after New York Harbor capsizing kills mother and infant
Manuel Hernandez, accused of illegally operating an over-capacity boat that capsized near Liberty Island, faces deportation proceedings after being charged with misconduct resulting in two deaths.
Federal authorities announced plans to seek the removal of Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, a 46-year-old Salvadoran who entered the United States illegally in 2007, after a criminal complaint alleged he operated an unregistered boat without the required certification. The vessel capsized on Aug. 8 near Liberty Island, killing 27-year-old Sara Sanchez and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia.
The complaint filed in the Southern District of New York says Hernandez exceeded the boat’s capacity of 10 passengers, carrying 14 people, and failed to provide infant-size flotation devices. Prosecutors allege he made a U-turn that sent the boat into a swell, causing it to overturn. Hernandez and 11 other passengers were rescued; Sanchez and her daughter were pronounced dead at a Brooklyn hospital.
Hernandez was released on $50,000 bail after an Aug. 10 hearing and has not entered a plea. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the department will pursue his removal once legal proceedings conclude.
"Once he faces justice for his crimes, we will make sure that he is swiftly removed from our country," Mullin said.
"As alleged in the complaint, Manuel Hernandez showed a complete disregard for the safety of his passengers when he piloted an over-capacity boat without a license that capsized in the New York Harbor," Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
The incident has drawn comments from the victim’s family and community members, who described the loss as tragic and preventable.