Liberty Island Capsize Tied to Charter Violations

A 22-foot speedboat near the Statue of Liberty capsized, killing a 5-month-old girl and her mother. Captain Manuel Hernandez is charged with misconduct or neglect of ship officers resulting in death, amid allegations the vessel was illegally chartered, overcrowded, and operated with multiple safety violations. Prosecutors allege Hernandez was unlicensed, unaware of basic safety rules, and carried paying passengers without required credentials; witnesses say the infant had no life vest and parents were told to hold the child. The tour operator Zeus Luxury Rental Inc. had prior safety concerns, including a previous boat fire, and officials say it did not appear to have Coast Guard licensing. Hernandez appeared in federal court and was released on bail; the Coast Guard continues its probe into illegal charter practices and safety compliance. Separately, authorities reported the death of a crew member in a separate New Bedford incident; officials say it does not appear suspicious, while discussions about tightening charter safety regulations continue.