A 22-foot boat capsized near Liberty Island in New York Harbor on Saturday night, killing a 27-year-old woman and a five-month-old girl. Twelve people were rescued from the water, while NYPD divers later located the two victims near the overturned vessel. The captain, identified as 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez of New York City, was arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment. Authorities are investigating the cause of the capsizing and whether the boat was operating as an illegal charter.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Capsizing reported near Liberty Island |
| 2) | Two victims found by NYPD divers |
| 3) | Captain arrested on reckless endangerment charges |
| 4) | Multiple agencies assist survivors |
| 5) | Investigation focuses on cause and vessel operation |
Capsizing reported near Liberty Island
The New York Police Department said officers responded at approximately 10:25 p.m. Saturday, August 8, after receiving a report that a vessel had overturned in the vicinity of Liberty Island. The incident occurred in New York Harbor, near the Statue of Liberty. A police source described the vessel as a 22-foot bowrider.
The boat capsized while carrying passengers on the harbor. Authorities have not announced what caused the vessel to overturn, and the circumstances leading up to the incident remain under investigation. The Coast Guard and NYPD are also examining whether the boat was being used as an illegal charter.
Two victims found by NYPD divers
Twelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived, according to authorities. The NYPD Harbor Unit, Scuba Team and Aviation Unit responded to the scene, working with the U.S. Coast Guard and a Good Samaritan vessel that helped survivors.
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 and were later pronounced dead. Authorities have not released their identities.
Captain arrested on reckless endangerment charges
The boat captain, 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez of New York City, was arrested following the incident. The Coast Guard said he faces 13 counts of reckless endangerment. The charges reflect the authorities’ initial legal response, while the broader investigation into the vessel and its operation continues.
Police said some of the other passengers were taken to a hospital and were believed to be in stable condition. Officials have not provided additional details about the passengers or described the specific actions alleged to have led to the charges.
Multiple agencies assist survivors
Emergency personnel from several agencies took part in the response. NYPD officers, harbor specialists, scuba divers and aviation personnel assisted with the search and rescue operation, while the Coast Guard coordinated its own response. A nearby civilian vessel also helped remove survivors from the water.
Captain Doreen McCarthy, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York, expressed condolences to the victims’ relatives and praised the rescuers.
“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,” McCarthy said. “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. We are working closely with CGIS and the NYPD to investigate this incident. We are committed to holding illegal operators accountable to highest extent of the law to ensure the safety of everyone on our waterways.”
Investigation focuses on cause and vessel operation
Investigators are determining why the boat overturned, how the passengers came to be in the water and whether the vessel was legally operating as a charter. The Coast Guard Investigative Service and NYPD are working together on the case. Officials have not released a final account of the vessel’s condition, speed or passenger arrangements.
The investigation will also examine the captain’s conduct and the boat’s compliance with applicable waterway regulations. Further details are expected as authorities review evidence from the scene and interview survivors and witnesses.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A 22-foot bowrider capsized 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 NYPD divers. |
| 4 | Captain Manuel Hernandez was arrested and charged with 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, despite the rescue of 12 others from the water. The arrest of the captain and the involvement of multiple emergency agencies mark the first stages of an investigation into the vessel’s operation and the cause of the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the boat capsize?
The vessel overturned in New York Harbor near Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty.
How many people died?
A 27-year-old woman and a five-month-old girl died after being found in the water. Their identities have not been released.
How many people were rescued?
Authorities said 12 people were rescued from the water before police arrived.
What charges does the captain face?
Captain Manuel Hernandez was arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment.
What are investigators examining?
The Coast Guard and NYPD are investigating the cause of the capsizing and whether the vessel was operating as an illegal charter.
