Federal authorities are investigating the captain of a boat that capsized in New York Harbor, resulting in the deaths of a 27-year-old woman and her five-month-old daughter. Manuel Hernandez, 46, the boat's captain, is the subject of the federal inquiry, which is exploring allegations that he was operating an illegal charter business at the time of the incident.
The capsizing occurred Saturday night around 10:30 p.m. The 21-foot Yamaha AR210 vessel, which authorities stated was dangerously overloaded, was carrying 14 people when it flipped. The New York Police Department confirmed the passenger count. The victims, Sara Sanchez, 27, and her daughter Antonella Garcia, were pronounced dead after being transported to NYU Langone Hospital in critical condition. They are survived by Sanchez's husband and the baby's father, Andres Garcia, and their six-year-old son.
Initially, Hernandez faced 13 state charges for reckless endangerment. However, these charges are no longer being pursued as the investigation has transitioned to federal authorities. New charges are expected to be announced as early as Monday. The federal investigation is focusing on whether the boat was carrying more passengers than legally permitted and if Hernandez operated as a passenger-for-hire without the necessary U.S. Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment, or a certificate of inspection.
Captain Doreen McCarthy of the Coast Guard's New York Sector stated that the agency is committed to holding illegal operators accountable to ensure waterway safety. "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," McCarthy added.
The vessel was reportedly chartered from Zeus Luxury, a company that advertises limousine, party bus, and yacht rentals in the tri-state area. According to a source cited by the New York Post, the boat, with a typical capacity of around 10 people, should not have carried more than five passengers. Another source described recreational boating in New York Harbor as the "Wild West," citing numerous hazards.
One survivor, Sara Raez, told the Post that the group had chartered the boat for her mother's 41st birthday celebration. They boarded the boat around 7 p.m., passed the Statue of Liberty, and were heading back to shore when the incident occurred. Raez described the boat filling with water and flipping over within seconds, leaving passengers trapped underneath.
Twelve other individuals on board sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Andres Garcia, who survived the incident, is now left to raise his older son. An employee at the restaurant where Garcia works as a waiter established a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and other costs associated with the tragedy.
