By Crash News Writer 
New York, NY (August 12, 2026) – A late Saturday night boating tragedy near Liberty Island claimed the lives of a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old daughter after a 22-foot bowrider power boat overturned in New York Harbor. The incident occurred at approximately 10:20 p.m. on August 8, prompting a massive emergency response.
According to the New York State Police, along with responding local and federal agencies, rescue crews from the FDNY, NYPD Harbor Unit, scuba teams, aviation units, and the U.S. Coast Guard rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a capsized vessel.
Authorities identified the victims as 27-year-old Sara Sanchez of College Point, Queens, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia. Both were pulled from the water in critical condition and transported to NYU Langone Brooklyn, where they later died.
Twelve other passengers aboard the vessel were rescued from the water and transported to area hospitals with minor injuries.
Investigators identified the boat as a 22-foot bowrider power boat, a type generally designed to carry approximately 10 to 12 passengers. Authorities arrested 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez of Manhattan, charging him with 13 counts of reckless endangerment. The U.S. Coast Guard is also investigating whether the outing was operating as an illegal charter service.
According to family members and friends, the passengers were church friends celebrating a birthday. Sara Sanchez, her husband, and their infant daughter attended the gathering, while their six-year-old son remained with a babysitter. Sanchez’s husband survived the incident and is now mourning the loss of his wife and infant daughter.
The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the NYPD continue to investigate what caused the boat to overturn.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information presented in this article is based on preliminary reports released by law enforcement and emergency officials. As investigators continue gathering evidence, additional details may emerge and previously reported information may change.
The identities of everyone involved may continue to be updated as authorities complete official notifications and confirm investigative findings.
Future announcements regarding the cause of the capsizing, possible criminal proceedings, or additional investigative conclusions will be released by the appropriate agencies as they become available.
Readers seeking additional information may find helpful guidance by reviewing frequently asked questions in New York as well as accident resources in New York.
The content of this article is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Information is based on public reports available at the time of publication and may be revised as the investigation progresses. Individuals affected by similar incidents are encouraged to seek qualified legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances. Please review our disclaimer for additional information.
If your family has suffered a serious injury or wrongful death in a boating or transportation accident, contact an experienced New York personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and potential options for recovering compensation.