Boat operator faces federal charges after mother and infant killed in New York capsizing

Manuel Hernandez, 46, has been charged in federal court with causing the deaths of Sara Sanchez, 27, and her five-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, through misconduct or neglect. The mother and infant died when a 22-foot Yamaha speedboat capsized late Saturday near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Twelve other passengers were rescued and are in stable condition. Hernandez was released on bail after his initial appearance in Manhattan federal court. The Coast Guard credited swift actions by responders and a good Samaritan vessel for the rescue of survivors. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Andres Garcia, Sanchez's partner and the infant's father, with funeral expenses.

Manuel Hernandez, the operator of a speedboat that capsized in New York Harbor, is facing federal charges and was due to appear in federal court in Manhattan on Monday. The incident, which occurred late Saturday near the Statue of Liberty, resulted in the deaths of Sara Sanchez, 27, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia. Hernandez is already facing state charges of reckless endangerment. Twelve other individuals on the 22-foot Bayliner speedboat were rescued and reported to be in stable condition. The U.S. Coast Guard commended the swift actions of responders and a good Samaritan vessel in the rescue efforts.

A 22-foot Bayliner speedboat capsized in New York Harbor near Liberty Island on Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of a 27-year-old woman and her five-month-old daughter. Twelve people were rescued from the water before police divers located the deceased. The boat's operator is facing criminal charges, and authorities are investigating the possibility that the vessel was operating as an illegal charter. The US Coast Guard confirmed the incident and stated that the other rescued individuals were in stable condition.

The captain of a boat that capsized in New York harbor on Saturday evening, August 8, 2026, has been charged after a 27-year-old woman and a five-month-old girl died. Manuel Hernandez, 46, faces 13 counts of reckless endangerment. Police responded to a 911 call around 10:25 PM near Liberty Island. Divers found the woman and baby in the water, and they were pronounced dead at NYU Langone hospital. A dozen other people were rescued from the vessel and taken to hospitals.

The operator of a boat that capsized near the Statue of Liberty on Saturday night has been arrested and charged with reckless endangerment. The incident resulted in the deaths of a woman and a five-month-old baby. Twelve people were rescued from the water following a large search and rescue operation involving multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard, fire department, and police. Investigators are also examining whether the boat was illegally chartered. The cause of the capsizing and the identities of the passengers have not yet been released. The investigation is ongoing.