Woman and 5-Month-Old Baby Die After Boat Capsizes Near Liberty Island

A woman and her 5-month-old daughter died after a boat carrying 14 people capsized in New York Harbor near Liberty Island, authorities said.

The 22-foot boat overturned late Saturday night near the Statue of Liberty, prompting a major emergency response from the New York Police Department, Fire Department and U.S. Coast Guard. Twelve other passengers were rescued from the water and taken to hospitals with minor injuries.

The woman and infant were found in the water by rescue divers and transported to NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn in critical condition. Both were later pronounced dead. Authorities identified the victims as a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old daughter.

The boat’s operator, 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez, was arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment, according to police. He was later placed in federal custody as investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating whether the vessel was operating as an illegal charter. Officials are examining the boat’s credentials, safety equipment and other requirements as part of the investigation.

Authorities have not yet determined what caused the boat to capsize. Investigators are continuing to gather information from survivors, witnesses and the vessel’s operator.

The tragedy has renewed attention on boating safety in New York Harbor, where heavy vessel traffic and changing water conditions can create significant risks for recreational boaters.