Federal Government to Deport Man Accused in Fatal Boat Accident

Deportation Proceedings for Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana

The federal government plans to deport Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, a man accused of illegally operating an unregistered boat that capsized in New York Harbor, causing the deaths of a woman and her infant daughter. Manuel Hernandez, originally from El Salvador, entered the U.S. illegally in 2007 through Texas, falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to Customs and Border Protection officers. This information was disclosed by the Department of Homeland Security in a recent news release.

Charges and Bail

Hernandez, a resident of Manville, New Jersey, faces two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer leading to death. The tragic incident occurred near Liberty Island on August 8, resulting in the deaths of Sara Sanchez, 27, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin emphasized the commitment to deport Hernandez promptly following his judgment for these crimes.

Following a hearing on August 10, Hernandez was released on $50,000 bail without entering a plea, as reported by NBC New York. His attorney has not provided comments on the situation.

Details of the Incident

According to the criminal complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Hernandez failed to register the boat he captained and lacked certification to operate it commercially in the harbor. Additionally, the boat was without infant-sized flotation devices, which are required for such tours.

Hernandez was operating a friend’s boat, as his own needed repairs. The boat was overloaded with 14 people, exceeding its maximum capacity of 10. Hernandez was unaware of the capacity limits, which contributed to the vessel capsizing.

Sanchez and Garcia had informed Hernandez of not possessing an infant-sized flotation device for Antonella. Hernandez indicated the boat was also lacking such devices, suggesting one parent wear a flotation device while holding the infant during the tour. Sanchez complied with this advice.

The Fatal Accident

Approximately 20 minutes into the tour, Hernandez made a U-turn, creating a swell that caused the boat to capsize, ejecting everyone onboard. Hernandez and 11 others were rescued, but Sanchez and Antonella were unresponsive when pulled from the water and were later declared deceased at a Brooklyn hospital.

Law Enforcement Statements

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch remarked on Hernandez’s negligence, highlighting his disregard for passenger safety by piloting an over-capacity, unlicensed boat. The tragedy highlighted preventable oversight, leaving Antonella’s father, Andres Garcia, and his family grieving the loss.

Garcia’s co-workers described his excitement for the family outing and his dedication as a provider for his family in the U.S. and Colombia, which includes a 6-year-old child. Commissioner Tisch noted this tragedy as entirely avoidable had there been adherence to safety protocols.