Federal Probe Opens Into Fatal Boat Flip In NY Harbor

Federal authorities are now probing whether Manuel Hernandez, 46, ran an illegal charter business before his vessel tipped in New York Harbor. The tragedy claimed the lives of Sara Sanchez, 27, and her five-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia. This disaster happened near the Statue of Liberty at roughly 10:30pm on Saturday.

Hernandez already faced thirteen state charges for reckless endangerment after the flip occurred in Brooklyn waters. He was moved to federal custody on Sunday following treatment at a local hospital for minor injuries. His previous criminal complaints are no longer being pursued as the federal probe advances. New charges could arrive by Monday.

Investigators want answers about two main points. First, did the 21-foot Yamaha AR210 carry too many people? Second, was Hernandez operating without proper US Coast Guard credentials or a safety inspection certificate? Captain Doreen McCarthy of the Coast Guard's New York Sector stated they hold illegal operators to the highest extent of the law. She also expressed deep sadness over the loss of life and offered thoughts to the grieving family.

The boat in question, called Zeus Luxury, lists itself online as one of the leading companies for limousine, party bus, and yacht rentals in the tri-state area. The Daily Mail has asked the firm for comment on this matter. A source told the New York Post that the vessel typically holds about ten people but should have had no more than five passengers aboard.

Recreational boating in New York Harbor is often described as a Wild West by those who know it. Uncharted debris, rip rap, bridge abutments, anchorage chains, commercial shipping channels, and marine plane traffic create dangerous conditions. Sara Raez survived the fatal capsize that killed her friends. She said they boarded to celebrate Paula Rivera's surprise 41st birthday party.

The group gathered with family and friends before boarding around 7pm. They passed the Statue of Liberty while heading back to shore when the nightmare began. Raez recalled how water rushed into the craft. The boat went up, then down, and flipped over in seconds. Hernandez's state charges are being dropped as the federal investigation unfolds. A helicopter searched the dark waters with a spotlight after the capsized vessel settled beneath the surface.

Emergency boats drifted on the water after a vessel capsized, trapping passengers beneath its hull until rescue crews pulled them free from the freezing depths. Raez recounted the chaos, stating that everyone was stuck underneath before they were finally saved. When the last person climbed out, screams filled the air as survivors realized what had happened.

Sanchez and her five-month-old daughter were flown to NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn in critical condition but were later pronounced dead. A dozen others received treatment for minor injuries at a local hospital. Sanchez's husband and father, Andres, was also on board that Saturday night. He survived the crash along with their other son, leaving him to face an unimaginable loss.

A restaurant employee who knew Andres as a waiter at Il Punto Ristorante told the Daily Mail that he lost his wife and daughter in a very sad accident. Antonio Russo, a manager at the Italian eatery, spoke to W42St about how Andres had worked there for five years, calling him a 'very hardworking guy.'

The couple had just welcomed their baby girl after sharing a video at the end of January that showed Sanchez pregnant with lavender butterflies and sparkles covering her belly. A message read simply: 'We love you Antonella.' Now Andres works to rebuild his life with his six-year-old son, Salvador. His employers launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, daily living costs, time off from work, and the many unexpected costs that come with a tragedy of this magnitude.

Il Punto Ristorante posted on Facebook about how what was meant to be a joyful family outing ended in an unimaginable tragedy when a boat carrying Andres and his family capsized. The restaurant stated their hearts were with Andres and his family as they navigate this tremendous loss. They asked the Il Punto community to keep them in thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.