Following a tragic boat capsizing in New York Harbor near Liberty Island on August 8, 2026, which claimed the lives of a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old infant daughter, authorities arrested the vessel’s 46-year-old captain on multiple counts of reckless endangerment.
Manuel Hernandez Arrested and Charged with Reckless Endangerment
The captain of the vessel that capsized in the New York Harbor on a Saturday evening was taken into custody in the early hours of Sunday morning. Police identified the captain as 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez, according to The Guardian. Hernandez faces 13 counts of reckless endangerment in connection with the disaster. Court records were not immediately available following his arrest, and it remains unclear whether he has secured legal representation.
The fatal incident unfolded on Saturday, August 8, 2026. At approximately 2225 hours, law enforcement received a 911 call reporting an overturned vessel in the vicinity of Liberty Island, within the confines of the New York City Police Department’s 1st Precinct.
NYPD Scuba Divers Recover Victims Near Liberty Island
The NYPD deployed its Harbor Unit, Aviation unit, and SCUBA Team to the site. Divers recovered the 27-year-old woman and her infant daughter directly from the water. Police identified the mother as Sara Sanchez, a resident of Queens, and her baby as Antonella Garcia. Both victims were rushed in critical condition to NYU Langone Health Brooklyn, where they were pronounced dead.
Coast Guard Investigates Illegal Charter Operations
While the tragedy unfolded, a dozen other passengers managed to escape the sinking watercraft with the help of a Good Samaritan vessel before police arrived. According to the Fire Department of New York, 11 to 12 survivors were transported to area hospitals treated for minor injuries, with officials reporting them to be in stable condition.
Federal and local investigators are now examining the regulatory status of the capsized vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that investigators are coordinating with New York police to determine whether the operation constitutes an illegal charter operation. The boat itself was towed to shore and placed into police custody as the investigation continues.
“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. 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.”
Captain Doreen McCarthy, Coast Guard Sector New York Commander
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