Harbor tour captain charged after unlicensed vessel capsizes near Liberty Island

The captain of an unregistered, uninspected jet boat used for a harbor tour near the Statue of Liberty has been charged with two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death after the vessel capsized, killing a mother and her infant. Manuel Hernandez, 46, allegedly operated beyond capacity (13 onboard), without required credentials (MMC and COI) or infant flotation devices, and did not inform the owner he was using a friend’s boat for pay. The capsizing occurred during a U-turn in choppy conditions, prompting a U.S. Coast Guard and NYPD response; 11 others and Hernandez were rescued, while Sara Sanchez and her 5-month-old daughter Antonella Garcia died. Hernandez was released on $50,000 bail and did not enter a plea. The case highlights gaps in licensing and safety compliance for for-hire boats in New York Harbor.