Captain charged after boat capsizes in New York, killing woman and baby

A mother and her five-month-old daughter drowned when a boat capsized in New York Harbor, prompting criminal charges against the operator and an investigation into whether the vessel was an illegal charter.

Sara Sanchez, 27, and her infant daughter, Antonella Garcia, were pulled from the water by NYPD divers after the vessel overturned near Liberty Island late Saturday. They were pronounced dead at a Brooklyn hospital. Twelve individuals were rescued from the water.

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The NYPD’s Harbor Unit, SCUBA Team and Aviation responded to the scene. A total of 12 individuals were rescued from the water prior to police arrival. A 27-year-old female and 5-month-old female were located in the water by NYPD divers and transported by EMS to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn in critical condition where they were later pronounced deceased.

Manuel Hernandez, 46, faces 13 counts of reckless endangerment. He is in federal custody, and the New York Southern District Court will oversee the investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard is actively investigating the circumstances and cause of the fatal incident.

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The Coast Guard Investigators are also determining whether the operation constitutes an illegal charter operation and are coordinating efforts in conjunction with NYPD. The Coast Guard, in coordination with the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and the NYPD, is conducting an active marine casualty investigation into the circumstances and cause of a fatal vessel capsizing.

Authorities are also determining if the boat was operating as an illegal charter, which means it lacked required U.S. Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment, and a certificate of inspection. Such operations often pose significant safety hazards to passengers.

"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 Capt. Doreen McCarthy, the Coast Guard Sector New York commander. "We are extremely grateful for the heroic, swift actions of our partner agencies and Good Samaritan vessel who assisted in rescuing survivors from the water."

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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. We are extremely grateful for the heroic, swift actions of our partner agencies and Good Samaritan vessel who assisted in rescuing survivors from the water.