🚨🛥️ MANVILLE MAN CHARGED IN DEADLY LIBERTY ISLAND BOAT CAPSIZING THAT KILLED MOTHER & BABY
A Manville man faces federal charges after his overloaded commercial tour boat capsized near Liberty Island, killing a mother and her infant. Authorities say the vessel lacked proper safety certifications and did not have an infant life jacket on board.
NEW YORK HARBOR — August 2026 — A Somerset County man has been arrested and federally charged following a boat capsizing near Liberty Island that claimed the lives of a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old daughter.
Manuel Hernandez, 46, of Manville, is facing two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Authorities said the 22-foot vessel overturned at approximately 10:25 p.m. Saturday, sending all 14 people aboard into the water.
🚨 Investigators allege Hernandez was operating the vessel as part of a commercial tour for paying passengers, despite allegedly exceeding the boat’s maximum capacity of 10 people.
According to federal authorities, Hernandez also allegedly operated the vessel without the required Merchant Mariner Credential and without a valid U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection, both of which are required for certain commercial passenger operations.
Investigators further allege that a 5-month-old infant was aboard without an infant life jacket, which authorities say was not available on the vessel.
🚔 Twelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived. NYPD divers later located the woman and infant, who were transported to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn in critical condition. Both were subsequently pronounced deceased.
The remaining passengers were reported to be in stable condition. Authorities are withholding the victims’ identities pending notification of their families.
U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald said federal regulations and maritime safety protocols are designed to protect passengers aboard commercial vessels, while NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch described the incident as a tragedy that authorities allege could have been prevented.
⚖️ The charges against Hernandez are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
📸 Photo Credit: United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York
🙏 Garden State News Network extends our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones following this devastating tragedy.