Boat capsizes in New York Harbor, woman and 5-month-old baby die

A woman and her 5-month-old infant daughter tragically lost their lives when a boat capsized in New York Harbor on Saturday evening. The operator of the 22-foot Bayliner speedboat, Manuel Hernandez, 46, now faces criminal charges, specifically 13 counts of reckless endangerment. Authorities are investigating whether the vessel was an illegal charter, lacking the necessary Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment, and inspection certificates.

Twelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived, and their condition is reported as stable. However, the 27-year-old mother and her newborn were taken to a hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries. Coast Guard Sector New York Commander, Captain Doreen McCarthy, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and praised the heroic actions of rescuers and Good Samaritan vessels. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of their family.