Key facts
- Manuel Hernandez, 46, is facing federal charges following a fatal speedboat capsizing in New York Harbor.
- The incident resulted in the deaths of Sara Sanchez, 27, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia.
- The speedboat overturned near the Statue of Liberty on Saturday night.
- Authorities are investigating if the vessel was operating as an illegal charter and if it was overloaded.
- Hernandez was previously facing state charges of reckless endangerment.
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 is due to appear in federal court in Manhattan on Monday. He was previously facing state charges of reckless endangerment in the deaths of Sara Sanchez, 27, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia.
The incident occurred late Saturday near the Statue of Liberty when the 22-foot Bayliner speedboat overturned. Police divers recovered the bodies of Sanchez and Garcia, who were pronounced dead at a hospital. Twelve other passengers were rescued and reported to be in stable condition with minor injuries.
Investigators are examining whether the vessel was operating as an illegal charter, which often lack necessary safety equipment and standards. The boat was reportedly carrying 14 people, exceeding its typical capacity of 10 passengers, and potentially more given harbor conditions. Toxicology tests indicated Hernandez was not impaired at the time of the incident.
The U.S. Coast Guard, NYPD, and FDNY were among the agencies that responded to the scene. The Coast Guard has vowed to hold unauthorized operators accountable.