New York Harbor boat capsizes near Statue of Liberty, killing mother and child; operator charged
Twelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived at the scene, according to the Coast Guard. Police divers later found the 27-year-old woman and her infant daughter in the water.
A speedboat capsized in New York Harbor near the Statue of Liberty on Saturday evening, resulting in the deaths of a mother and her 5-month-old daughter. The boat operator, 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez, has been charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment. Authorities are investigating whether the vessel was being operated as an illegal charter, which involves carrying passengers for hire without the required Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment, and inspection certificates.
The Coast Guard, police, and a Good Samaritan vessel worked together to rescue the 12 surviving passengers from the water. The victims were taken to a hospital but were pronounced dead shortly after. The Coast Guard Commander Doreen McCarthy expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and praised the emergency response.
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