A mother and her 5-month-old daughter died after their overcrowded boat capsized in New York Harbor late Saturday, authorities reported. The incident occurred just before 10 p.m. near Liberty Island.
The vessel, a 22-foot bowrider with front seating, was carrying 14 people when it flipped over. Police sources indicated the boat was dangerously overcrowded.
Killed in the tragedy were Sara Sanchez, 27, of College Point, Queens, and her infant daughter, Antonella Garcia. Sanchez's boyfriend, the baby's father, was also on board.
Authorities recovered 11 other passengers from the water. They were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries.
The boat's captain, identified as 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez of Manhattan, has been charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment, with additional charges pending, according to sources.
Authorities used a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers crane vessel and NYPD Harbor Unit officers to retrieve the capsized boat from the water hours after the incident. Investigators are examining the circumstances that led to the deadly capsize.