Federal Government Aims to Deport Man Following Tragic Capsizing Incident in New York Harbor

The federal government is seeking to deport Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, accused of operating a boat illegally, leading to a fatal accident in New York Harbor. The incident resulted in the deaths of a woman and her infant daughter. Hernandez-Umana, originally from El Salvador, entered the U.S. illegally via Texas in 2007 by falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Hernandez, 46, residing in Manville, New Jersey, faces charges of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death. The tragic event occurred near Liberty Island on August 8, leading to the deaths of Sara Sanchez, 27, and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia.

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

Hernandez was released on $50,000 bail after an August 10 hearing, as reported by NBC New York. His attorney did not immediately comment. Hernandez was not required to enter a plea during the hearing. A criminal complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York revealed several legal violations by Hernandez. He had not registered the boat, lacked certification to operate in the harbor with paying passengers, and failed to provide infant-sized flotation devices.

Prosecutors stated that Hernandez was using a friend’s boat for a tour near the Statue of Liberty due to his own boat needing repairs. The vessel was overcrowded with 14 people on board, exceeding the maximum capacity of 10, and Hernandez was unaware of the limit. Antonella’s parents, before boarding, informed Hernandez they lacked an infant flotation device for their baby. Hernandez replied that the boat also lacked one. He suggested one parent wear a flotation device and hold the baby during the tour, which Sanchez did.

The boat capsized about 20 minutes into the tour when Hernandez attempted a U-turn, leading to a fatal tragedy. A swell hit the boat, tossing everyone overboard. Hernandez and 11 passengers were rescued. However, Sanchez and Antonella were declared dead at a Brooklyn hospital after being retrieved from the water.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch criticized Hernandez’s negligence, stating, “As alleged in the complaint, Manuel Hernandez showed a complete disregard for the safety of his passengers when he piloted an over-capacity boat without a license that capsized in the New York Harbor.” She underscored the preventability of the tragedy, saying, “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.”

Co-workers of Antonella’s father, Andres Garcia, recalled his excitement about the tour with his family. They noted his dedication to providing for his family in the U.S., which includes another child, and his relatives in Colombia.