A boat operator has been charged after a speedboat capsized in New York Harbor, killing a mother and her 5-month-old daughter, while authorities investigate whether the vessel was being operated as an illegal charter.<\/p>\n
The 22-foot Bayliner overturned at about 10:25 p.m. on Saturday (August 8) near Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located, the US Coast Guard said on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Twelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived at the scene, according to the Coast Guard. Police divers later found the 27-year-old woman and her infant daughter in the water.<\/p>\n
Both victims were taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The remaining passengers were reported to be in stable condition.<\/p>\n
Authorities have not released the identities of the mother and child, pending notification of their family members.<\/p>\n
Police identified the operator as 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez of New York. He has been charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment, authorities said.<\/p>\n
A phone number for Hernandez could not be located Sunday, and the case had not yet appeared in online court records.<\/p>\n
Authorities have not announced additional details about what caused the vessel to overturn.<\/p>\n
The Coast Guard is working with police to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether the boat was being used as an illegal charter operation.<\/p>\n
According to the Coast Guard, an illegal charter involves carrying passengers for hire without the required Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment and inspection certificates.<\/p>\n
Captain Doreen McCarthy, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York, said investigators were committed to determining what happened and holding those responsible accountable.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night, and our thoughts are with the victims\u2019 family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,\u201d McCarthy said.<\/p>\n
She also praised the emergency response, saying authorities were \u201cextremely grateful for the heroic, swift actions\u201d of partner agencies and a Good Samaritan vessel that helped rescue survivors.<\/p>\n
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