⏱ 2 min read
A tragic boat capsizing in New York Harbor has left two dead, including a five-month-old infant and a 27-year-old woman. The incident occurred when a vessel piloted by Manuel Hernandez, an unlicensed tour operator, overturned in the harbor. Hernandez allegedly flouted federal regulations and maritime safety protocols by overcrowding the vessel and transporting paying customers without proper licenses.
The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, along with the Coast Guard Investigative Service and the NYPD, announced that Hernandez has been charged with negligently causing the deaths. According to authorities, Hernandez took on a five-month-old infant passenger without having infant life vests onboard, further exacerbating the danger.
The incident highlights the importance of adhering to safety protocols and regulations for commercial vessels. As U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald stated, ‘Federal regulations and maritime safety protocols exist to protect the lives and wellbeing of passengers on commercial vessels.’ The Coast Guard Investigative Service and the NYPD are working together to investigate and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Hernandez was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo, marking the beginning of the legal proceedings against him. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of ignoring safety protocols and the importance of holding accountable those who prioritize profits over human life.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: New York
- Location: NY
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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