Boat capsizes near Statue of Liberty: man arrested after woman and baby die

A man has been arrested after the boat he was operating capsized near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor on Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of a 27-year-old woman and a five-month-old girl, New York police announced.

Rescue Operation

Emergency services received a 911 call at approximately 22:25 local time reporting the vessel had overturned near Liberty Island. A nearby vessel rescued 12 people from the water before Coast Guard and police units arrived. The rescue operation involved two Coast Guard boats, four fire department boats, two police boats, and a helicopter.

Police divers later located the two victims, who were transported to a nearby hospital where both were pronounced dead. All other survivors are reported to be in stable condition.

Arrest and Investigation

The boat's operator, a 46-year-old Manhattan resident, was arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment. Coast Guard investigators are also examining whether the vessel was operating as an illegal charter — any passenger-for-hire operation lacking required credentials, safety equipment, or certificate of inspection.

"We are extremely grateful for the heroic, swift actions of our partner agencies and the Good Samaritan vessel who assisted in rescuing survivors from the water," said Captain Doreen McCarthy of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The names of the victims and the specific cause of the capsizing have not yet been released. The investigation is ongoing.