U.S. Government Moves to Deport Captain After Fatal Boat Capsizing in New York

The U.S. federal government has announced plans to deport Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, the captain of a boat that capsized in New York Harbor earlier this month, resulting in the deaths of a young woman and her 5-month-old daughter.

Hernandez, a 46-year-old native of El Salvador, is accused of illegally operating the vessel without proper registration or certification. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), he entered the United States unlawfully in 2007, falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen to a Customs and Border Protection officer.

Details of the Incident

The tragic incident occurred on August 8, when Hernandez was piloting a boat near Liberty Island. The boat was reportedly over capacity, carrying 14 people despite a maximum limit of 10. Hernandez allegedly lacked the necessary infant-sized flotation devices on board, and when informed by the parents of the deceased baby that they did not have one, he suggested that one of them hold the baby while wearing a flotation device.

Approximately 20 minutes into the tour, Hernandez made a U-turn that caused the boat to capsize, throwing all passengers into the water. While Hernandez and 11 others were rescued, Sara Sanchez, 27, and her daughter, Antonella Garcia, were found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at a Brooklyn hospital.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Hernandez has been charged with two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death. He was released on a $50,000 bail following a hearing on August 10, where he did not enter a plea. His attorney has not yet commented on the case.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated, “Once he faces justice for his crimes, we will make sure that he is swiftly removed from our country.”

Community Reaction

The incident has left the family and community in mourning. Co-workers of Antonella’s father, Andres Garcia, expressed their shock and sadness, noting that he had been excited about the family outing. Garcia, who also has a 6-year-old child, worked hard to support his family in the U.S. and in Colombia.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized the preventable nature of the tragedy, stating, “This tragedy could have been prevented, and now a family is left to grieve the unimaginable loss of a mother and her 5-month-old daughter because of [Hernandez’s] negligence.”