NEW YORK — A nighttime boating trip near the Statue of Liberty turned into a devastating tragedy after a 22-foot boat capsized in New York Harbor, killing a 27-year-old mother and her 5-month-old daughter.
The incident occurred Saturday night at approximately 10:25 p.m. near Liberty Island. Emergency crews from the NYPD, FDNY and U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene after the boat overturned and several passengers fell into the water.
The victims were identified as Sara Sanchez, 27, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, both reportedly residents of Queens. NYPD divers recovered the mother and child from the water and transported them to a hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
Authorities rescued 12 other people who were aboard the vessel. They were reported to be in stable condition. Officials said no other boat was involved in the incident.
The boat’s operator, 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez, was arrested and faces 13 counts of reckless endangerment, according to police.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, including whether the vessel was being operated as an unauthorized charter. The U.S. Coast Guard is also involved in the investigation.
The tragic incident has cast a shadow over the Queens community, as a mother and her infant daughter lost their lives during what was supposed to be an evening on the waters of New York Harbor.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet announced the definitive cause of the capsizing.
Source: Gothamist – Original Report
