Mother and 5-Month-Old Daughter Among Two Killed in New York Harbor Boat Accident

NEW YORK — A 27-year-old mother and her 5-month-old daughter died after a recreational boat carrying 14 people overturned in New York Harbor near Liberty Island Saturday night.

The victims were identified as Sara Sanchez and her infant daughter, Antonella Garcia, both of College Point, Queens. The baby’s father was also aboard the vessel and survived the accident.

Emergency Crews Respond

Authorities received reports of the overturned boat late Saturday near Liberty Island, prompting a major response from the NYPD Harbor Unit, scuba teams, aviation units and other emergency personnel.

Twelve people were rescued from the water and taken to hospitals for treatment. Sanchez and her daughter were also recovered and transported to a Brooklyn hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.

Family Outing Ends in Tragedy

Sanchez and Garcia were reportedly traveling with family members when the accident occurred.

The baby’s father, Andres Garcia, was among those aboard and survived. A restaurant where he works said the outing had been intended as a family celebration before the accident.

Friends and members of the local community have since expressed their condolences to the family as they cope with the loss.

Boat Operator Arrested

Police identified the vessel’s operator as 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez of Manhattan. Authorities arrested him and charged him with multiple counts of reckless endangerment.

Officials have not yet determined the full cause of the accident. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating, including whether the vessel may have been operating as an unauthorized charter.

Investigation Underway

Investigators are examining the boat, passenger circumstances and events leading up to the capsizing.

Authorities have not announced a final determination regarding what caused the vessel to overturn. The operator’s charges are allegations, and he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

For the Garcia family, the investigation comes as they mourn a mother and infant daughter whose lives were lost during what had begun as a family outing.