Hispanic captain arrested after boat capsizes, killing mother and 5-month-old baby in New York

Federal prosecutors in New York have taken over the case involving Manuel Hernández, 46, the captain of a boat that capsized Saturday night near Liberty Island, killing a 27-year-old mother and her 5-month-old baby.

Hernández was taken into federal custody after receiving medical treatment at Maimonides Medical Center. The NYPD had initially announced 13 counts of reckless endangerment, but the case is now moving forward under a federal investigation.

Authorities are investigating whether the boat was carrying more passengers than permitted and whether Hernández was operating an illegal charter service without the required Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment or inspection certificate. The U.S. Coast Guard had previously said it would hold unauthorized operators accountable.

The boat overturned near the Statue of Liberty Saturday night, triggering a major rescue operation involving the Coast Guard, FDNY and NYPD. The victims were identified as Sara Sánchez, 27, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella García. Both were taken to NYU Langone Brooklyn in critical condition and later pronounced dead.

Sánchez’s husband was also aboard and survived. The couple also had a 6-year-old child. Twelve other passengers were rescued with minor injuries. The cause of the boat’s capsizing remains under investigation.