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Unlicensed operator allegedly overloaded harbor boat before fatal New York City capsizing

8/11/2026

Federal charges filed Monday frame the deaths of Sara Sanchez, 27, and her five-month-old daughter Antonella Garcia in New York Harbor on Saturday as the product of choices, not chance.

Manuel Hernandez, 46, of Manville, New Jersey, allegedly piloted 14 paying passengers on a vessel rated for 10.

He held no valid commercial-passenger license and set out knowing the boat carried no infant-sized life vest.

He faces two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death, each carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years. What the complaint alleges The vessel was a Yamaha AR210 borrowed from a friend.

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