Operator Charged After Speedboat Capsizes Near Statue of Liberty, Killing Mother and Infant
A 22-foot Bayliner overturned near Liberty Island, killing a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old daughter; the boat's operator faces multiple reckless endangerment charges and an investigation into possible illegal chartering.
A 22-foot Bayliner speedboat capsized around 10:25 p.m. Saturday near Liberty Island in New York Harbor, resulting in the deaths of a 27-year-old mother and her 5-month-old daughter. Twelve other passengers were rescued and were reported to be in stable condition, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Police divers later recovered the bodies of the woman and child, who were taken to a hospital where they were pronounced dead. The Coast Guard identified the operator, 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez of New York, and said he has been charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night, and our thoughts are with the victims’ family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," said Captain Doreen McCarthy, Coast Guard Sector New York Commander.
"We are extremely grateful for the heroic, swift actions of our partner agencies and Good Samaritan vessel who assisted in rescuing survivors from the water."
Coast Guard investigators are working with police to determine whether the vessel was operating as an illegal charter, which would mean it lacked required credentials, safety equipment, and inspection certificates. The victims' identities have not been released pending family notification.