The operator of a boat that capsized in New York Harbor near the Statue of Liberty, killing a woman and her infant daughter, has been charged with reckless endangerment while federal authorities investigate whether the vessel was operating as an illegal charter.
The 22-foot Bayliner speedboat overturned around 10:30 p.m. Saturday near Liberty Island, sending all those aboard into the water, the U.S. Coast Guard said.
Twelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived. Police divers later found a 27-year-old woman and a 5-month-old girl in the water. The woman and child were taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
The remaining survivors were reported to be in stable condition.
The Associated Press reported Manuel Hernandez, 46, of New York, was charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment.
The Coast Guard said investigators were working with the Coast Guard Investigative Service and the New York Police Department to determine the circumstances and cause of the capsizing and whether the operation constituted an illegal charter. An illegal charter is a passenger-for-hire operation that lacks required Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment or a certificate of inspection.
According to Fox 5 New York, police pulled 14 people out of the water. The vessel’s capacity is typically 10 to 12 people, making it dangerously overloaded.
“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,” said Capt. Doreen McCarthy, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York. “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.”
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