Illegal Immigrant Captain Involved in Fatal Boat Capsizing in New York Harbor
The captain of a boat that capsized in New York Harbor, resulting in the tragic deaths of a mother and her infant daughter, was undocumented, according to authorities.
Deputy Chief Josh Packer from the Coast Guard Bureau of Investigation stated, “The alleged actions resulted in an unthinkable tragedy.”
Manuel Hernandez, 46, was in the U.S. illegally when his 21-foot vessel overturned near Liberty Island on August 8. The Department of Homeland Security reported that 27-year-old Sara Sanchez and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, tragically lost their lives.
Hernandez faces federal charges that include two counts of misconduct and manslaughter related to the incident. He initially posted bail set at $50,000.
According to federal officials, Hernandez crossed into the U.S. through Texas in 2007, allegedly claiming to be an American citizen to Border Patrol agents.
Currently, he remains in immigration custody as the criminal proceedings continue. Prosecutors noted that Hernandez had taken 14 passengers on a birthday cruise, despite safety regulations that typically allow no more than 10 on such vessels.
Hernandez, who lacked a captain’s license, was employed as a limousine driver for a travel agency. DHS Secretary Markwayne Marin stated that Hernandez recklessly endangered the lives of his passengers.
Marin expressed serious concern, saying, “This criminal illegal alien was on an illegal and reckless boat tour in New York Harbor when his boat capsized, killing a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old infant. Thanks to the hard work of the Coast Guard, ICE, and our federal, state, and local partners, these criminals are being removed from our streets and waterways. Once he is brought to justice for his crimes, we will ensure that he is swiftly removed from our country.”
Investigators revealed that there were no life jackets available for infants or children. Allegedly, Hernandez told passengers they didn’t need to wear life jackets at all. The authorities reported that he swerved and accelerated the boat when it encountered a swell, leading to the capsizing.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch commented on the situation, stating, “As alleged in the complaint, Manuel Hernandez operated an unlicensed and overcrowded boat with complete disregard for the safety of his passengers when it capsized in New York Harbor. This tragedy could have been prevented, and now the family is suffering the unimaginable loss of a mother and her five-month-old daughter due to her negligence.”
Rescue efforts from other charter companies, along with the NYPD and Coast Guard, managed to pull passengers from the water, but sadly, Sanchez and her daughter did not survive the incident.
