Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Speedboat capsizes near Statue of Liberty, killing mother and child
A small speedboat tipped over in the water in New York Harbor, right near the Statue of Liberty.
It happened late at night on Saturday, August 8.
Sadly, a young mom and her tiny baby, who was only 5 months old, did not survive.
Other people on the boat were rescued from the water and were okay.
Police divers found the mom and her baby and took them to a hospital, but doctors could not save them.
The person driving the boat has been charged with putting passengers in danger.
The Coast Guard is also checking whether the boat was carrying passengers for money without proper safety rules.
When boats carry people for hire, they need special safety equipment and inspections.
The people in charge said they are very sad about what happened and want to find out exactly why the boat capsized.
A 22-foot Bayliner speedboat capsized in New York Harbor near Liberty Island at about 10:25 p.m. on Saturday, August 8.
A 27-year-old mother and her 5-month-old daughter were found by police divers and pronounced dead at a hospital.
Twelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived, and the remaining passengers were reported in stable condition.
The boat operator, 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez of New York, was charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment.
The US Coast Guard is investigating whether the vessel was being operated as an illegal charter without required credentials and safety equipment.
- Who
- A 27-year-old mother and her 5-month-old daughter died; boat operator Manuel Hernandez, 46, of New York, was charged; the US Coast Guard is investigating.
- What
- A 22-foot Bayliner speedboat capsized in New York Harbor, killing a mother and infant, and the operator faces 13 counts of reckless endangerment.
- When
- Saturday, August 8, at about 10:25 p.m.
- Where
- New York Harbor near Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located.
- Why
- The cause of the capsize is under investigation; authorities are looking into whether the boat was operating as an illegal charter.
- Victims
- 27-year-old mother and her 5-month-old daughter
- Vessel
- 22-foot Bayliner
- Incident time
- About 10:25 p.m., Saturday, August 8
- Location
- New York Harbor near Liberty Island
- Rescued
- 12 people rescued from the water
- Operator
- Manuel Hernandez, 46, of New York
- Charges
- 13 counts of reckless endangerment
- Investigation
- Possible illegal charter operation by the Coast Guard