The federal government plans to deport Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, accused of illegally operating a boat that capsized in New York Harbor, resulting in the deaths of a woman and her infant daughter. Hernandez, originally from El Salvador, entered the U.S. unlawfully in 2007 by falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen, as stated by the Department of Homeland Security.
Hernandez, 46, from Manville, New Jersey, faces charges of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer leading to death. The incident, which occurred near Liberty Island on August 8, claimed the lives of 27-year-old Sara Sanchez and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressed the intention to ensure his deportation after legal proceedings. Hernandez’s legal representation did not respond to comments, but NBC New York reported his release on $50,000 bail following an August 10 hearing where he wasn’t required to enter a plea.
The criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York alleges Hernandez operated the tour without proper registration, certification, or infant-sized flotation devices. He reportedly used a friend’s boat around the harbor, exceeding the vessel’s 10-person capacity with 14 onboard.
The complaint details that Antonella’s parents informed Hernandez of their lack of an infant flotation device. Hernandez noted the boat’s deficiency in this regard and suggested that one parent hold the child while wearing a flotation device, which Sanchez did.
Approximately 20 minutes into the tour, Hernandez made a U-turn, causing the boat to capsize due to a swell. Although Hernandez and 11 passengers were rescued, Sanchez and Antonella were pronounced dead upon arrival at a Brooklyn hospital.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch criticized Hernandez for his disregard for passenger safety by piloting an over-capacity, unlicensed boat. Coworkers of Andres Garcia, Sanchez’s partner and Antonella’s father, mentioned his excitement about the family outing. Despite his hard work for his family in the U.S. and Colombia, the tragic incident left the family grieving.
Commissioner Tisch stated that the tragedy was preventable and emphasized the unimaginable loss the family suffered due to Hernandez’s negligence.
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