A survivor of the deadly New York Harbor boat accident near Liberty Island has provided new details about the chaotic rescue, saying darkness and difficult conditions on the water complicated efforts to reach passengers after the vessel capsized.
The accident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on August 8, when a boat carrying 14 people overturned near the Statue of Liberty. Survivor Jorge Ortiz told CBS New York that the darkness made it difficult for rescuers and passengers to see one another as people struggled in the water.
The tragedy killed 27-year-old Sara Sanchez of Queens and her five-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia. The remaining passengers and the boat’s operator survived.
Federal prosecutors allege that the vessel was carrying 14 people despite having a maximum capacity of 10. Their criminal complaint also alleges that the infant was aboard without an appropriately sized personal flotation device and that the operator lacked required credentials and certification to conduct commercial trips with paying passengers.
Investigators say the vessel capsized after operator Manuel Hernandez made a U-turn and encountered a swell, possibly generated by the wake of a larger vessel. Water overwhelmed the bow, causing the boat to overturn and throwing everyone aboard into the harbor.
Hernandez now faces two federal counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death. He was released on $50,000 bail following a federal court appearance. The allegations remain accusations, and he has not been convicted.
The survivor’s account adds a new human dimension to an accident now under intense federal scrutiny, as investigators examine the vessel’s passenger capacity, safety equipment, licensing and decisions made in the moments leading up to the deadly capsizing.
