Boat capsizes near Statue of Liberty, killing mother and baby—operator arrested

A speedboat capsized near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor late Saturday, killing a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old daughter. The boat’s operator, 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez of Manhattan, was arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment.

The incident occurred at around 22:25 local time (03:25 BST) on Saturday. Twelve other passengers were rescued from the water and are in stable condition. The victims’ identities have not been released pending family notification.

The boat, a 22-foot Bayliner speedboat, overturned near Liberty Island. A nearby tour operator, Sea the City, helped pull 11 people from the water. The rescue effort involved two Coast Guard boats, four fire department boats, two police boats, and a police helicopter.

Authorities are investigating whether the vessel was operating as an illegal charter—a passenger-for-hire boat lacking required credentials, safety equipment, or a certificate of inspection. Hernandez was arrested at around 02:30 local time on Sunday.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night, and our thoughts are with the victims’ family," said Captain Doreen McCarthy, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York. "We are extremely grateful for the heroic, swift actions of our partner agencies and the Good Samaritan vessel who assisted in rescuing survivors."