Charges Filed in Fatal New York Harbor Boat Incident

The captain of an unlicensed boat, Manuel Hernandez, faces charges following a tragic accident in New York Harbor near Liberty Island. The incident led to the deaths of a young woman and her baby. Hernandez, 46, was charged with two counts of misconduct and neglect as a ship officer resulting in death. He appeared in court and was released on $50,000 bail. His court-appointed attorney, Amy Gallicchio, and he declined to comment.

Sara Sanchez, 27, from Queens, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, lost their lives in the tragic event. Hernandez was piloting a Yamaha AR210 jet vessel without proper registration, certification, or infant-sized flotation devices on board. Authorities reported the vessel exceeded its maximum capacity, carrying 14 people, though it was designed for only 10.

“We deeply regret the loss and are committed to ensuring justice,” stated the authorities.

The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service responded, revealing Hernandez’s involvement with a luxury tour operations company. He was conducting tours for paying customers without proper credentials. Saturday’s tour was organized for $1,800 and included 13 passengers.

Hernandez admitted to using a friend’s boat instead of his own, which required repairs; he did not inform the owner of the boat’s usage for paid tours. Initially planning for 12 passengers, Hernandez accepted 13. Tragically, Sanchez and her 5-month-old were among the passengers, alongside the baby’s father, Andres Garcia.

Before boarding, Hernandez inquired about an infant-sized flotation device, which the parents lacked. He instructed that one of them wear a device and hold the baby. The tour lasted more than three hours before a U-turn brought the vessel into a swell, capsizing it. All on board were thrown into the water.

Efforts from nearby boats, the NYPD, Coast Guard, and NYC Fire Department rescued 11 passengers and Hernandez. Sadly, Sanchez and her infant were unresponsive when retrieved from the water and later pronounced dead at a Brooklyn hospital.

Lack of Required Credentials

Hernandez had not obtained a merchant mariner credential or a valid Coast Guard certificate of inspection, both needed to operate a vessel with paying customers. The vessel involved in the tragedy was ineligible for such certifications without necessary inspections and evaluations.

The compliance measures include ensuring vessel stability for passenger safety and requiring operators to have substantial boating experience. Federal law mandates children under 13 wear suitable personal flotation devices.

Support for the Family

In the aftermath, the community extends support to Sara Sanchez’s partner. Andres Garcia, employed at Il Punto Restaurant and Marco Hotel, has been described as a devoted family man. His employers held a news conference to back him during this difficult time. They also launched a fundraiser to aid Garcia and his surviving child.

Antonio Russo, general manager of Il Punto, shared a recent conversation with Garcia, highlighting his happiness with his family. “He felt blessed to have such a wife,” Russo recalled, echoing Garcia’s sentiments of gratitude and love.