🚨 Manville Boat Captain Arrested by ICE Following Fatal New York Harbor Capsizing
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a Manville man after a fatal boat capsizing near Liberty Island killed two people. Authorities say the man operated an unlicensed, overcrowded tour boat without the required credentials and was in the country illegally.
NEW YORK HARBOR — A 46-year-old Manville man who authorities say was operating an unlicensed tour boat that capsized near Liberty Island earlier this month has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Federal authorities identified the man as Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, who is accused of piloting the 22-foot vessel during the August 8 incident that killed a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old daughter.
According to federal prosecutors, the vessel overturned at approximately 10:25 p.m., sending all 14 people aboard into the water.
Authorities allege Hernandez-Umana was operating the boat as a paid tour vessel despite allegedly lacking the required Merchant Mariner Credential and a valid U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection.
Investigators also allege the boat was carrying 14 people despite having a maximum allowable capacity of 10. Authorities further said a 5-month-old infant aboard the vessel was not wearing a personal flotation device.
Coast Guard and NYPD personnel responded to the scene and recovered the two victims. Both were transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The remaining passengers survived and were reported to be in stable condition.
⚖️ Federal Charges & ICE Arrest
Hernandez-Umana has been charged with two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer in connection with the deadly capsizing.
During the Coast Guard Investigative Service’s investigation, authorities reportedly uncovered information regarding Hernandez-Umana’s immigration status. ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations subsequently arrested him.
The Department of Homeland Security alleges Hernandez-Umana entered the United States illegally through Texas in 2007 and falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen when questioned by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer.
Federal officials said the investigation remains focused on the circumstances surrounding the deadly boat capsizing and the alleged violations of maritime safety requirements.
📸 PHOTO: United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York
⚠️ All criminal charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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