Federal charges filed after mother, infant die in NYC harbor boat tragedy

Federal prosecutors said an unlicensed pilot operated an overcrowded tour boat that capsized in New York Harbor, killing two passengers, including a 5-month-old baby and her mother. The speedboat sank during a nighttime trip around the Statue of Liberty on Saturday at about 10:20 p.m., according to the charges. Prosecutors allege pilot Manuel Hernandez, 46, caused the deaths of Antonella Garcia and Sara Sanchez through misconduct or neglect. They said he lacked U.S. Coast Guard licensing and borrowed a friend’s vessel; prosecutors also claim the boat had no life preservers for small children, and Antonella was not wearing one. Hernandez was released on $50,000 bail after an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court.