The Incident
Federal prosecutors have charged Manuel Hernandez, 46, with misconduct and neglect resulting in the death of a young woman and her baby. The incident occurred when an allegedly unlicensed boat capsized in New York Harbor near Liberty Island over the weekend.
Manuel Hernandez, from Manville, New Jersey, appeared in court and was released on $50,000 bail. He faces charges filed in the Southern District of New York. NBC New York reported that Hernandez and his court-appointed attorney, Amy Gallicchio, declined to comment.
Sara Sanchez, 27, from Queens, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, lost their lives in the tragedy on Saturday. Hernandez operated a Yamaha AR210 jet vessel, which he did not have registered or certified for operation with paying customers. A criminal complaint states the vessel lacked infant-sized flotation devices.
Overloaded Vessel
The complaint alleges Hernandez loaded 14 people, including himself, onto a vessel with a maximum capacity of 10. The Saturday tour was arranged for 13 passengers to explore the harbor near the Statue of Liberty, costing $1,800.
Hernandez reportedly used a friend’s boat, as his own was under repair. He failed to inform the boat’s owner of its use for a paid tour. The complaint claims he was unaware of the boat’s maximum capacity but knew his boat could accommodate no more than 12 passengers.
Sara Sanchez and her partner Andres Garcia, along with their baby, boarded without an infant-sized flotation device. Hernandez advised one parent to hold the baby while wearing a flotation device, per the complaint.
Accident Details
At 10:20 p.m., Hernandez performed a U-turn that took the vessel into a swell, possibly from a larger passing vessel. The swell swamped the vessel’s bow, causing it to capsize. All 14 people onboard went overboard.
Responders from various agencies, including NYPD, the Coast Guard, and the NYC Fire Department, rescued Hernandez and 11 passengers. Sanchez and her baby were recovered from the water unresponsive, later declared dead at a Brooklyn hospital.
Regulatory Violations
Authorities allege Hernandez lacked necessary credentials, including a merchant mariner credential (MMC) and a valid Coast Guard certificate of inspection. These are required for operating a vessel with paying passengers.
The boat was ineligible for a certificate of inspection due to its type and size. The MMC mandates 360 days of documented experience, passing a physical, a drug test, a background check, and coursework on boating safety.
The complaint notes heightened requirements for operators carrying more than six passengers. Children under 13 must wear suitable flotation devices, according to the filing.
Community Support
Sara Sanchez’s partner is receiving support from the community. Two businesses where Andres Garcia worked held a news conference. He held multiple positions at Il Punto Restaurant and Marco Hotel over the past six years.
Il Punto’s General Manager, Antonio Russo, described Garcia as hardworking and family-oriented. They initiated an online fundraiser for Garcia and his surviving 6-year-old child.
Russo mentioned a conversation a day before the tragedy. Garcia expressed gratitude for his family, saying how fortunate he felt. Russo shared an emotional moment when Garcia posted about the boat trip. He never imagined the devastation that would follow.
Leave a Reply