Man arrested after boat capsizes near Statue of Liberty killing woman and infant

August 10, 2026

A boat capsized near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor on Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of a 27-year-old woman and her five-month-old daughter. Emergency responders launched a major search and rescue operation involving multiple Coast Guard, fire department, and police vessels, successfully rescuing twelve other passengers who are in stable condition. The boat's operator, a 46-year-old Manhattan resident identified as Manuel Hernandez, has been arrested and charged with thirteen counts of reckless endangerment.

Who is affected

Sara Sanchez (27-year-old woman) and her infant daughter Antonella Garcia (5 months old) - both died
Andres Garcia - husband and father of the victims, who was on the boat
Manuel Hernandez - 46-year-old boat operator arrested
12 other passengers rescued from the water (all in stable condition)
Employees and community of Il Punto Ristorante where Andres Garcia works

What action is being taken

A large search and rescue operation was launched involving two US Coast Guard boats, four fire department boats, two police boats, and a police helicopter
Manuel Hernandez has been arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment
Coast Guard investigators are determining whether the boat was illegally chartered
The investigation into the incident is ongoing

Why it matters

This tragedy highlights the dangers of potentially illegal boat charter operations that may lack proper safety credentials, equipment, and inspections required for passenger transport. The incident demonstrates the critical importance of maritime safety regulations near one of America's most iconic landmarks and busy tourist areas, where unauthorized vessels carrying passengers can result in catastrophic loss of life, particularly affecting vulnerable passengers like infants.

What's next

The investigation into the incident is ongoing
Coast Guard investigators are continuing to determine whether the boat was illegally chartered
Criminal proceedings against Manuel Hernandez for the 13 counts of reckless endangerment

Read full article from source: BBC