A boat capsized in New York Harbor, killing a woman and a 5-month-old infant. The boat operator has been charged, UNN reports, citing AP.
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The operator of the boat that capsized in New York Harbor, killing a mother and her infant daughter, has been criminally charged, and authorities are investigating whether the vessel was an illegal charter, the U.S. Coast Guard said Sunday.
The Bayliner speedboat capsized at around 10:25 p.m. Saturday near Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty, the U.S. Coast Guard said.
Twelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived, and divers later found a 27-year-old woman and a 5-month-old girl in the water. Both were taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The condition of the others was stable, according to the Coast Guard.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this incredibly difficult time," said Captain Doreen McCarthy, commander of the Coast Guard's New York Sector. "We are extremely grateful for the heroic and swift actions of our partners and the vessel 'Good Samaritan,' who helped rescue those who survived from the water."
Police said 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez of New York was charged with 13 counts of endangering life and health. His phone number could not be found Sunday, and the case had not yet been entered into online court records.
The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of their families, police said Sunday.
McCarthy said Coast Guard investigators are working with police on the investigation and are determined to hold those who violated the law accountable.
According to the Coast Guard, an illegal charter is any passenger-vessel operation conducted without Coast Guard documentation, safety equipment, and inspection certificates.