SPEEDBOAT OPERATOR CHARGED AFTER MOTHER AND INFANT DIE IN NEW YORK HARBOUR...

Manuel Hernandez, 46, of Manville, New Jersey, was charged in federal court on Monday with misconduct and neglect following the capsizing of a 22-foot Yamaha speedboat in New York Harbour late Saturday. Sara Sanchez, 27, and her five-month-old daughter Antonella Garcia died in the incident near the Statue of Liberty. Twelve other individuals were rescued and remained in stable condition. Hernandez appeared in Manhattan federal court in ankle shackles and was released on $50,000 bail without entering a plea.

Authorities attributed the disaster to multiple failures. The boat carried 14 people, exceeding its maximum capacity of 10. Prosecutors stated that Hernandez knowingly operated the vessel with an infant aboard despite being aware that no infant- or child-sized life jackets were available. The infant's life jacket was not secured. Officials further cited Hernandez's lack of required commercial licences and improper decision-making as contributing factors. The vessel was recovered from the water and transported to the New York Police Department's harbour unit facility on Randall's Island. The charter began at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

State charges were initially lodged over the weekend, but prosecutors announced on Monday that Hernandez would face trial in federal court instead. Coast Guard Sector New York Commander Doreen McCarthy credited the rescue of survivors to "heroic, swift actions" by responders from various agencies and a good Samaritan vessel. A GoFundMe campaign established to assist the family with funeral expenses and support had exceeded $25,000 by Monday afternoon.