Statue of Liberty: Mum and five month old baby drown after boat capsizes in New York’s harbour
A man has been charged over the tragic incident and an investigation is underway.
A man has been charged and a family have been left heartbroken after a mother and her baby drowned when a boat capsized in New York.
About 10.25pm on Saturday local time, a 22-foot Bayliner speedboat overturned near Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty, the US Coast Guard said.
When police arrived, 12 people were rescued from the water in stable condition.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The rescue involved two Coast Guard boats, four fire department boards, two police boats, and a police helicopter.
Later, police divers located a 27-year-old woman and her five-month-old baby.
They were taken to hospital in critical condition and were pronounced dead there.
The mother-daughter duo have since been identified as Sara Sanchez and her baby Antonella Garcia.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night, and our thoughts are with the victims’ family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Captain Doreen McCarthy, from the US Coast Guard, said.
“We are extremely grateful for the heroic, swift actions of our partner agencies and the good Samaritan vessel who assisted in rescuing survivors from the water.”
The 46-year-old captain, who was identified by NBC News as Manuel Hernandez, has been charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment.
Authorities are investigating whether the vessel was an illegal charter, which is a passenger-for-hire vessel operation that lacks US Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment and inspection certificates.
According to CNN, the baby’s father is among survivors of the tragedy.
