Boat Capsizes Near Statue of Liberty, Leaving Mother and Baby Dead

Twelve Other Passengers Rescued First by Nearby Vessel
Boat Operator Detained on 13 Charges

A boat capsized near the New York Harbor in the United States, resulting in the deaths of a woman in her 20s and her five-month-old baby. The boat operator has been criminally charged and is currently in custody.

According to NBC News and other outlets in the United States on August 9 (local time), the U.S. Coast Guard stated that the accident occurred at approximately 10:25 p.m. on August 8 near Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located. The vessel involved in the accident was a 22-foot (approximately 6.71 meters) Bayliner speedboat.

The New York Harbor Police are searching the accident scene. FNTV

Of the 14 passengers on board, 12 were rescued by a nearby commercial vessel before police arrived. Police divers responding to the scene later found Sara Sanchez, age 27, and her five-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, in the water.

The mother and child were transported to the hospital, but ultimately succumbed to their injuries. All other rescued passengers are reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities have charged the boat operator, Manuel Hernandez, age 46, with 13 offenses, including reckless operation and dangerous driving. Police stated that the case has not yet been listed in the court’s online records and Hernandez has not been reachable.

Doreen McCarthy, the U.S. Coast Guard New York Sector Commander, expressed condolences to the bereaved family, stating, “We will work closely with the police to thoroughly identify the cause of this tragedy and to hold those accountable for the illegal transport of paying passengers without valid licenses and safety inspection certificates.”

Coast Guard investigators are working with the New York Police Department to determine whether the boat was being operated as an illegal charter and to further investigate any illegal activity.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.