Mother and infant daughter die after boat capsizes near Statue of Liberty

A tragic incident near Liberty Island has resulted in the deaths of a 27-year-old mother and her 5-month-old daughter. Their small pleasure boat, a 6.7-meter Bayliner, capsized around 10:25 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, near the iconic Statue of Liberty.

U.S. Coast Guard officials reported that twelve individuals were on board when the vessel overturned. Rescuers, including divers deployed by the police, managed to save several people before locating the two victims in the water. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital, where their deaths were tragically confirmed. The remaining passengers were reported to be in stable condition.

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We are deeply saddened by the tragic losses of last night and our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims during this extremely difficult time.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the capsizing, with a focus on the boat's owner, a 46-year-old New York resident who is currently unaccounted for. He has been charged with 13 counts, including endangering the lives of others. Investigators are also looking into whether the boat was operating as an illegal rental.

Captain Doreen McCarthy of the U.S. Coast Guard expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, offering condolences to the victims' families. She also acknowledged the swift and heroic actions of the rescuers and a "vessel of opportunity" that assisted in saving survivors.

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We are extremely grateful to our partners and the vessel of good will who acted heroically and rapidly to rescue the survivors.