The captain of a boat that capsized in New York harbor on Saturday evening has been charged after a 27-year-old woman and her five-month-old daughter died. Manuel Hernandez, 46, was arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to a New York Police Department spokesperson.
Incident Details
Police responded to a 911 call at 10.25pm, deploying a helicopter unit to the scene. Divers found Sara Sanchez and her daughter Antonella in the water, and they were transported in critical condition to NYU Langone hospital in Brooklyn, where they were pronounced dead. The NYPD identified the victims as Sara Sanchez and her daughter Antonella.
The NYPD stated: “On Saturday, August 8, 2026, at approximately 2225 hours, police received a 911 call reporting an overturned vessel in the vicinity of Liberty Island, within the confines of the 1st Precinct. The NYPD’s Harbor Unit, SCUBA Team and Aviation responded to the scene.”
Rescue and Response
A dozen other people were rescued from the vessel before police arrived and were later transported to hospitals, the spokesperson said. The US Coast Guard and partner agencies assisted in the rescue efforts.
Captain Doreen McCarthy, US Coast Guard sector New York commander, said: “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.”
Legal Proceedings
Hernandez faces 13 counts of reckless endangerment, reflecting the number of people on board. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed. The incident highlights the dangers of recreational boating in New York harbor, where strong currents and heavy traffic can create hazardous conditions.
This tragedy has prompted renewed calls for stricter safety regulations for small vessels, including mandatory life jacket use and better oversight of boat operators. The Coast Guard and NYPD are working to determine the exact cause of the capsizing, with factors such as overloading and weather conditions under review.
The deaths of Sanchez and her daughter have shaken the local community, and vigils have been planned in their memory. The NYPD has offered condolences to the family and assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway.
