Captain charged after woman and five-month-old die in New York boat capsizing

Manuel Hernandez, 46, the captain of a boat that overturned in New York Harbor on Saturday evening, has been charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment following the tragic deaths of a 27-year-old woman and a five-month-old infant. The incident occurred around 10:25pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026, when a 911 call was made reporting an overturned vessel near Liberty Island.

Police responded promptly, deploying a helicopter unit and divers to the scene. Upon arrival, divers located the two victims, who were subsequently airlifted to NYU Langone Hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts, both women succumbed to their injuries. According to New York police department spokesperson, "On Saturday, August 8, 2026, at approximately 2225 hours, police received a 911 call reporting an overturned vessel in the vicinity of Liberty Island, within the confines of the 1st Precinct."

The NYPD's Harbor Unit, SCUBA Team and Aviation were among those that responded to the scene, rescuing a dozen other individuals before the police's arrival.