The U.S. Coast Guard said it’s investigating whether the boat was part of an “illegal charter operation.”
Woman, infant dead after boat overturns in New York Harbor, police say
A 27-year-old woman and a 5-month-old baby died after a boat capsized in New York Harbor on Aug. 8, the New York City Police Department said.
Authorities arrested the operator of a boat that capsized in New York Harbor near the Statue of Liberty on Aug. 8, killing a mother and a 5-month-old baby, authorities said.
Manuel Hernandez, 46, was arrested on Aug. 9 and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment, according to the New York City Police Department. The U.S. Coast Guard also said it’s determining whether the vessel was part of an illegal charter operation potentially lacking credentials, safety equipment and inspection requirements.
It was unclear whether Hernandez had obtained legal representation. Immediate attempts to reach him were unsuccessful.
Authorities on Aug. 8 responded to a 911 call reporting an overturned boat near Liberty Island just before 10:30 p.m. ET, according to police. The emergency response effort involved multiple boat teams, as well as a scuba and an helicopter unit.
Crews rescued 12 people from the water, according to the Coast Guard. They were transported to nearby hospitals with minor injuries and were later reported in stable condition.
A woman, 27, and a baby found in the water were taken to NYU Langone Health Brooklyn in critical condition, according to the NYPD and the Coast Guard. They were pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police said the identities of the deceased will be withheld pending notification of their family.
The Coast Guard, in coordination with the NYPD, said it’s conducting an investigation into the circumstances and cause of a fatal vessel capsizing.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night, and our thoughts are with the victims’ family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said Captain Doreen McCarthy, the Coast Guard Sector New York commander.
Liberty Island, which sits about 1.6 miles southwest of Manhattan, is a popular tourist destination in the summer. Dozens of charter companies and commercial tours sail near the island to give people an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty from the water.
This story was updated to add new information.