A 27-year-old woman and a five-month-old girl died after a boat overturned near Liberty Island in New York Harbor on Saturday night, authorities said. Twelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived, while NYPD divers located the two victims near the vessel. The captain was arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment. Investigators are examining what caused the capsizing and whether the boat was operating as an illegal charter.
Emergency crews responded after receiving a report of an overturned vessel at approximately 10:25 p.m. The two victims were taken to NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn in critical condition and later pronounced dead. Their identities have not been released.
The incident brought together the NYPD Harbor Unit, Scuba Team and Aviation Unit, along with the U.S. Coast Guard. Some surviving passengers were also taken to a hospital and were believed to be in stable condition.
| 1) | Capsizing near Liberty Island |
| 2) | Two victims found by NYPD divers |
| 3) | Captain faces reckless endangerment charges |
| 4) | Multi-agency rescue and investigation |
| 5) | Questions remain about the vessel’s operation |
Capsizing near Liberty Island
The boat overturned in the vicinity of Liberty Island in New York Harbor on Saturday night, Aug. 8, 2026. Police received a report of the capsized vessel at about 10:25 p.m. The boat was described as a 22-foot bowrider, according to a police source. The location near the Statue of Liberty required a coordinated response from harbor, aviation and water-rescue units.
Twelve people were pulled from the water before police arrived, according to authorities. The circumstances that led to the vessel overturning have not been established, and investigators have not announced whether weather, operating conditions or another factor contributed to the accident.
Two victims found by NYPD divers
NYPD divers later located a 27-year-old woman and a five-month-old girl in the water near the overturned boat. Both victims were transported to NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn in critical condition. They were later pronounced dead. Authorities have not released their identities.
The deaths occurred after other passengers had been rescued, underscoring the difficulty of the nighttime search operation. Some of the surviving passengers were also transported to a hospital and were believed to be in stable condition. No further details about their injuries were provided.
Captain faces reckless endangerment charges
The vessel’s captain, 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez of New York City, was arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment, according to the Coast Guard. The charges follow the rescue operation and the discovery of the two fatalities.
The charge count indicates the case involves the people aboard the vessel, but authorities have not publicly detailed the specific conduct alleged in the arrest. Hernandez’s case remains part of an active investigation, and the cause of the capsizing has not been determined.
Multi-agency rescue and investigation
The NYPD Harbor Unit, Scuba Team and Aviation Unit responded alongside the U.S. Coast Guard. A Good Samaritan vessel also helped rescue survivors from the water. The response included surface rescue and underwater search efforts as authorities worked to locate anyone who remained near the overturned boat.
Captain Doreen McCarthy, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York, said agencies were working together to investigate the incident and address unsafe operations.
“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.”
McCarthy said the Coast Guard was working with its investigative service and the NYPD. She also said authorities were committed to holding illegal operators accountable under the law.
Questions remain about the vessel’s operation
Authorities are investigating whether the boat was being used as an illegal charter. That question could help determine how the vessel was operated and whether additional violations occurred. Officials have not announced a final cause for the capsizing or provided details about the vessel’s registration, passenger arrangements or operating authorization.
The investigation will likely focus on the boat’s condition, its operation, the circumstances of the passengers’ trip and the actions of the captain before the vessel overturned. Further findings are expected from the NYPD and Coast Guard as the case proceeds.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A 22-foot bowrider overturned near Liberty Island at about 10:25 p.m. Saturday. |
| 2 | Twelve people were rescued from the water. |
| 3 | A 27-year-old woman and a five-month-old girl died after being found by divers. |
| 4 | The captain was arrested on 13 counts of reckless endangerment. |
| 5 | Authorities are investigating the cause and whether the vessel was an illegal charter. |
Summary
The New York Harbor capsizing left two people dead, including an infant, after a 22-foot boat overturned near Liberty Island. Twelve people survived the incident, and emergency agencies conducted a coordinated rescue and search operation. The captain’s arrest and the investigation into a possible illegal charter will be central to determining accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the boat capsize?
The boat overturned in New York Harbor near Liberty Island, close to the Statue of Liberty.
How many people were rescued?
Authorities said 12 people were rescued from the water before police arrived.
Who died in the incident?
A 27-year-old woman and a five-month-old girl died after NYPD divers located them in the water. Their identities have not been released.
What charges does the captain face?
The captain, 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez of New York City, was arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment.