Unlicensed NYC boat operator allegedly ignored safety warnings before mother, baby died in capsizing: feds

A New Jersey man, Manuel Hernandez, is accused of running an illegal boat tour in New York Harbor that resulted in the deaths of a 5-month-old baby and her mother. Prosecutors allege Hernandez ignored safety warnings, including overcrowding the vessel and not having an infant life vest, before the boat capsized. Hernandez was not licensed to carry paying passengers and allegedly had 14 people aboard a boat with a maximum capacity of 10.

• Manuel Hernandez, 46, of Manville, New Jersey, faces charges of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death.
• The incident occurred when an overcrowded Yamaha AR210 capsized in New York Harbor, killing a 5-month-old baby and her 27-year-old mother.
• Hernandez was allegedly operating the boat without a license and with more passengers than the vessel’s capacity allowed.
• Prosecutors claim Hernandez was aware of the lack of an infant life vest and instructed a parent to hold the baby throughout the tour.
• The boat capsized approximately three hours and 20 minutes into the excursion after hitting a swell.
• Eleven passengers and Hernandez survived, while the mother and baby were recovered unresponsive and later pronounced dead.
• The victims were identified as Sara Sanchez, 27, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia.