Key facts
- Manuel Hernandez, 46, faces federal charges for the deaths of Sara Sanchez, 27, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia.
- The speedboat capsized near the Statue of Liberty on Saturday night.
- Twelve other passengers were rescued and are in stable condition.
- Investigators are examining if the boat was an illegal charter and if it was overloaded.
- Hernandez was released on bail after an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court.
Federal prosecutors have taken custody of Manuel Hernandez, 46, the operator of a speedboat that capsized in New York Harbor, killing a mother and her infant daughter. Hernandez appeared in Manhattan federal court on Monday and was released on bail. He was previously facing state charges of reckless endangerment.
The incident occurred late Saturday near the Statue of Liberty when the 22-foot Yamaha speedboat overturned. The bodies of Sara Sanchez, 27, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, were recovered. Twelve other passengers were rescued and are in stable condition.
Investigators are examining whether the vessel was operating as an illegal charter and if it was overloaded, reportedly carrying 14 people, exceeding its capacity of 10 passengers. Toxicology tests indicated Hernandez was not impaired at the time of the incident.
The U.S. Coast Guard, NYPD, and FDNY responded to the scene. Capt. Doreen McCarthy, Coast Guard Sector New York commander, credited the rescue of survivors to "heroic, swift actions" by responders and a good Samaritan vessel.