Boat charter capsizes in New York Bay, killing mother and infant
A 21-foot charter boat capsized in New York Bay on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her 5-month-old daughter, while investigators examine the operator and captain's compliance with capacity limits.
A chartered 21-foot vessel capsized in New York Bay on Saturday night, killing a 41-year-old woman and her 5-month-old daughter. The party, organized by husband Alexander Reyes, had been scheduled to board the boat on Randall’s Island before heading to a dinner restaurant and a nighttime sightseeing cruise.
When the boat failed to appear at the dock, the guests were instructed by Zeus Luxury Rental, the operator, to walk to a nearby rocky shoreline where the craft was waiting offshore. Police later determined that the boat, identified as City on the Sea, was rated for a maximum of ten passengers, although the charter advertised capacity for thirteen passengers plus the captain.
"The vessel was overloaded and not in compliance with safety regulations," a police spokesperson said.
Authorities are focusing their investigation on the charter company and the captain to assess whether safety standards were violated and to determine the cause of the capsizing.