Manuel Hernandez, 46, the driver of a speedboat that capsized in New York Harbor, has been charged with causing the deaths of a 27-year-old woman and her infant daughter through misconduct or neglect. The incident occurred over the weekend.
Sara Sanchez and her five-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, died after the 22-foot Yamaha speedboat overturned late Saturday near the Statue of Liberty. Authorities reported that 12 other people were rescued and are in stable condition.
Mr Hernandez made his initial appearance in Manhattan federal court on Monday, where he was not required to enter a plea and was subsequently released on bail. Prosecutors stated that he will be tried in federal court, following state charges lodged against him over the weekend.
Captain Doreen McCarthy, the Coast Guard Sector New York commander, commended the “heroic, swift actions” of responding agencies and a good Samaritan vessel for the rescue of survivors.