A 27-year-old mother and her five-month-old daughter were killed when a motorboat overturned in New York Harbor on Saturday night, authorities said.
Sara Sanchez and her infant daughter, Antonella Garcia, were among 14 people aboard a 2019 Yamaha AR210 when the vessel capsized near Liberty Island around 10:30 p.m. The mother and child, residents of College Point, Queens, were transported to NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn in critical condition and later pronounced deceased.
Sanchez's husband, Andres Garcia, who is the father to both Antonella and their six-year-old son, Salvador, survived the incident. Il Punto Ristorante, where Andres works as a waiter, confirmed the loss and stated that he is now caring for their surviving son. The restaurant has initiated an online fundraiser to support Andres and Salvador, aiming to help with funeral expenses, daily living costs, and Andres' time away from work.
"While trying to process the unimaginable loss of Sara and baby Antonella, Andres must now find the strength to move forward and be there for their six-year-old son, Salvador, who has also suffered a heartbreaking loss," the fundraiser description reads.
Manuel Hernandez, 46, the captain of the boat, has been arrested and faces 13 charges of reckless endangerment. The New York Police Department is investigating.
The U.S. Coast Guard is also examining whether Hernandez was operating the vessel as an illegal charter service, which could mean it lacked necessary Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment, and a certification of inspection. According to a source who spoke with the New York Post, the boat, designed for approximately ten people, should have carried no more than five passengers. The Coast Guard stated its commitment to holding illegal operators accountable to ensure waterway safety.
Emergency responders, including units from the FDNY, Harbor, Scuba, and Aviation, were dispatched to the scene in the Hudson River between the Statue of Liberty and the Bay Ridge Anchorage. Divers from the NYPD were also involved in the rescue efforts.
