The captain of an illegal charter boat that flipped in New York Harbor, killing a mother and her baby, is an illegal immigrant from El Salvador who is now in federal immigration custody, officials confirmed. Manuel Hernandez, 46, a limo driver without a boating license, was in the U.S. illegally when he capsized the overloaded 21-foot vessel on Aug. 8, drowning Sara Sanchez, 27, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia.
"This criminal illegal alien was illegally and recklessly conducting unlicensed boat tours in New York Harbor when his boat capsized, killing a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old baby," Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated. "Once he faces justice for his crimes, we will make sure that he is swiftly removed from our country."
Hernandez was arrested and charged in federal court with two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death. He was initially released on $50,000 bail. A subsequent investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Services determined Hernandez was an illegal migrant, and he was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to federal authorities, Hernandez illegally crossed the southern border through Texas in 2007, allegedly lying to a border agent and falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. He is now being held without bail by immigration authorities pending the outcome of the criminal case.
Federal prosecutors stated that Hernandez packed 14 passengers onto the charter boat for a birthday party cruise near Liberty Island, exceeding the typical capacity of 10 for a vessel of that size. Investigators found the boat was not equipped with a child or infant-sized life jacket, despite Hernandez reportedly telling passengers they were not required. The boat reportedly capsized when the captain turned and accelerated upon hitting a swell.
Survivors were rescued from the water by another charter boat and by units from the NYPD, FDNY, and Coast Guard. However, Sanchez and her infant daughter could not be saved.
Despite being employed as a limo driver by the tour operator, authorities said Hernandez periodically captained illegal harbor cruises without being licensed or trained. "Illegal charter operations gamble with human life, and in this case the alleged conduct led to an unthinkable tragedy," said Coast Guard investigator Josh Packer. Maius Hernandez leaves U.S. district court with his lawyer, Amy Gallicchio, after being charged in a boating accident. MpedNYPD Harbor Unit officers securing lines to an overturned boat before towing it into the harbor. MamaSara Sanchez and Andres Garcia with their child.