Manuel Hernandez charged in fatal New York Harbor boat capsizing

Manuel Hernandez, 46, has been charged in federal court following a boat capsizing near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor that killed 27-year-old Sara Sanchez and her five-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia. Hernandez faces two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death.

The incident occurred on a Saturday night when a 22-foot Yamaha speedboat overturned near Liberty Island. While 12 people were rescued in stable condition by various agencies, including the Coast Guard and local police, Sanchez and her child were pronounced dead after being recovered from the water.

According to a criminal complaint, the vessel was allegedly an unlicensed charter operation. Prosecutors allege the boat was carrying 14 people, exceeding its maximum capacity of 10, and lacked necessary certifications and infant-sized flotation devices. Hernandez, who was working for a tour operations company, reportedly used a friend's boat because his personal vessel required repairs. He was released on $50,000 bail following his initial appearance in Manhattan federal court.