NEW YORK — The captain of a motorboat that capsized near the Statue of Liberty, killing a woman and her 5-month-old daughter, has been arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment, while federal authorities investigate whether the vessel was operating as an illegal charter, officials said.
Manuel Hernandez, 46, was operating the boat when it overturned in New York Harbor near Liberty Island late Saturday, Aug. 8, according to authorities and court records cited by U.S. media. The accident killed 27-year-old Sara Sanchez and her infant daughter, Antonella Garcia. Twelve other people were rescued and treated for minor injuries.
The U.S. Coast Guard and New York Police Department are investigating the circumstances of the capsizing, including whether the vessel and its operator met federal requirements for a commercial charter. Coast Guard Captain Doreen McCarthy said investigators were examining the operation and expressed condolences to the victims' families.
The 22-foot powerboat was carrying 14 people when it overturned shortly before 10:30 p.m., according to authorities. Investigators are examining whether the vessel was overloaded and whether it had the required safety equipment and credentials for the trip. The Coast Guard is also investigating whether the boat was being used for an unauthorized charter operation.
Federal prosecutors said Hernandez was not operating under the credentials required for a licensed charter, according to an Associated Press report. Court documents cited by local media said Hernandez had been hired by Zeus Luxury Rental Inc. and had used a boat after his own vessel became unavailable. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to reports.
Authorities have not established a final cause for the capsizing. An Associated Press report said investigators were considering whether the boat was affected by the wake of a larger vessel, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Hernandez was released on $50,000 bail and faces the reckless-endangerment charges as the investigation continues, according to court and law-enforcement reports. Further federal or state charges could follow depending on the findings of investigators.
