Two Killed After Boat Capsizes Near Liberty Island
Two people, including a five-month-old girl, died after a recreational boat capsized near Liberty Island in New York Harbor late Saturday, August 8, authorities said. The vessel’s captain has been arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The New York Police Department said officers received a report of an overturned vessel at about 10:25 p.m. Twelve people had been pulled from the water before police arrived. NYPD divers later found a 27-year-old woman and the infant in the harbor. Both were taken to NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn in critical condition and were subsequently pronounced dead. Authorities have not released their identities.
Police identified the captain as Manuel Hernandez, 46, of New York City. The U.S. Coast Guard said Hernandez faces the reckless endangerment charges. The charges are accusations, and the available account did not provide information about an arraignment, plea, or attorney.
Some surviving passengers were transported to hospitals and were believed to be in stable condition. The rescue response involved the NYPD Harbor Unit, Scuba Team and Aviation Unit, along with the Coast Guard and a civilian vessel whose crew helped remove people from the water.
Coast Guard Sector New York Commander Capt. Doreen McCarthy expressed condolences to the victims’ relatives and thanked responding agencies and civilians for their rescue efforts. She said the Coast Guard Investigative Service and NYPD are jointly investigating.
Authorities are seeking to determine why the 22-foot bowrider capsized and whether it was being operated as an unauthorized charter. No official cause had been announced as of Sunday. The investigation is expected to examine the boat’s operation, passenger load, safety equipment and conditions on the harbor before prosecutors decide how to further proceed with the case.