A 27-year-old woman and her five-month-old daughter died after a speedboat capsized in New York Harbour on Saturday night. The vessel's operator, Manuel Hernandez, 46, of New York, has been arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment.
Crash details
The 22-foot Bayliner overturned at approximately 10.25pm near Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty, throwing more than a dozen passengers into the water. Twelve people were rescued before police arrived, and divers later found the woman and baby. Both were taken to hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The other passengers were reported to be in stable condition.
Official response
Captain Doreen McCarthy, commander of the Coast Guard sector New York, expressed sorrow: “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.” She also thanked partner agencies and Good Samaritan vessels for their swift rescue efforts.
The victims' identities have not been released pending family notification. Investigators are looking into whether the vessel was operating as an illegal charter, which would mean it lacked required credentials, safety equipment, and inspection certificates.
