Federal Authorities Arrest Unlicensed Operator in Fatal Statue of Liberty Speedboat Capsizing
file photo courtesy of https://www.artchickphotography.com/
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Jersey City NJ, Federal immigration authorities have taken custody of Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, the unlicensed speedboat pilot involved in the fatal August 8 capsizing near the Statue of Liberty. The tragic accident resulted in the drowning deaths of 27-year-old Sara Sanchez and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Hernandez-Umana, a 46-year-old citizen of El Salvador living in Manville, New Jersey, entered the country illegally in 2007 by falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to a border officer in Texas.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed that Hernandez-Umana is currently held at an ICE detention facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and faces deportation after answering to federal criminal charges.
“Once he faces justice for his crimes, we will make sure that he is swiftly removed from our country,” Secretary Mullin stated.
Overcrowding and Safety Violations Led to Tragedy
Federal prosecutors and U.S. Coast Guard investigators uncovered severe safety violations during the August 8 excursion:
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Overcrowded Vessel: Hernandez-Umana was piloting a 21-foot Yamaha AR210 carrying 14 passengers—well over its 10-person safety limit—when it swamped and sank during a U-turn in choppy waters.
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No Safety License: The operator was not licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard and lacked knowledge of basic maritime safety rules.
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Lack of Life Vests: The boat lacked child-sized life preservers. Prosecutors state Hernandez-Umana improperly instructed the mother to wear an adult vest and hold her infant during the tour.
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Illegal Charter Operation: The vessel was illegally chartered through Zeus Luxury Rental Inc., a company promoting tours on TikTok and Instagram that previously experienced a boat fire during a cruise last year.
Legal Status and What Happens Next
Hernandez-Umana was arrested by ICE after posting bail in his federal criminal case, where he is charged with causing two deaths through misconduct and neglect. He made an initial court appearance on August 10 and is scheduled to return to court on September 9.
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Tags: #NewYorkHarbor #StatueOfLiberty #BoatAccident #ICE #Immigration #NewJersey #ZeusLuxuryRental
