Feds take custody of operator in deadly New York Harbor boat disaster
NEW YORK -- Federal prosecutors have taken over the case against the operator of the boat that capsized in New York Harbor and killed a Queens mother and her 5-month-old daughter, authorities said.
Manuel Hernandez, 46, was transferred to federal custody after receiving treatment at Maimonides Medical Center. Federal charges could be announced as early as Monday.
The move means the 13 reckless endangerment charges previously announced by the NYPD are no longer being pursued at the local level as the federal investigation moves forward.
Investigators are examining whether the vessel was carrying more passengers than allowed and whether Hernandez was operating an illegal charter business. Authorities define an illegal charter as a passenger-for-hire operation that lacks required Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment or a certificate of inspection.
The boat overturned near the Statue of Liberty on Saturday night, triggering a massive rescue response involving the U.S. Coast Guard, FDNY and NYPD. The infant and woman, identified as 5-month-old Antonella Garcia and 27-year-old Sara Sanchez, were transported to NYU Langone Brooklyn in critical condition, where they were pronounced dead.
Sanchez's husband was onboard and survived. The couple also has a 6-year-old son.
Twelve other passengers were rescued with minor injuries.
The Coast Guard previously said it was investigating whether the trip constituted an illegal charter operation and vowed to hold unauthorized operators accountable. The cause of the capsizing remains under investigation.
