Birthday tragedy at the Statue of Liberty: Sarah and her baby drown on 'forbidden boat'

In the US, Manuel Hernandez was arrested on suspicion of operating an illegal charter boat that capsized near the Statue of Liberty in New York, causing the deaths of Sarah Sanchez and her infant daughter Antonella. The boat carried 14 passengers, exceeding the allowed capacity, and passengers were not required to wear life jackets. The incident occurred at a birthday party, and the father, Andres Garcia, survived.

Authorities in the United States arrested Manuel Hernandez, suspected of operating an illegal charter boat that capsized over the weekend near the Statue of Liberty in New York, causing the deaths of a mother and her infant daughter. Sarah Sanchez, 27, and her daughter Antonella, 5 months old, drowned after the boat capsized late at night. The boat, about 6.5 meters long, made by Yamaha, carried 14 passengers despite a capacity of 10, and passengers were not required to wear life jackets. The incident occurred during a surprise party for Paula Rivera's 41st birthday, organized by her husband Alexander Reyes. The passengers boarded the boat around 7:00 PM, and the boat capsized around 10:25 PM on their way back. Passenger testimony describes water entering the boat, which rose and capsized within seconds. Survivors climbed onto the hull, but the two women were missing. The birthday girl called 911, but the first rescue boat arrived only after 10-15 minutes. The rescue involved Coast Guard boats, fire department, police, and a helicopter. The mother and baby were airlifted to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Investigators are examining suspicion of operating an illegal charter boat, and Hernandez faces 13 counts of reckless endangerment.