Officials have not released a cause for the capsizing and are conducting a full investigation; the Coast Guard is interviewing the vessel’s captain.

A boat capsized in New York Harbor near Liberty Island around 10:20–10:25 p.m. Saturday, killing a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old daughter, with 12 others rescued at the scene.

The crash prompted an immediate law enforcement response, and authorities filed multiple reckless endangerment charges against the captain as part of the ongoing investigation.

The operator, Zeus Luxury, promotes itself as a leading tri-state rental firm, but a claimant says the trip violated safety rules; the company did not immediately comment.

Hernandez remained in custody and could face more charges as the investigation continues; toxicology tests showed no impairment at the time of the crash.

A multi-agency response, including NYPD Harbor, SCUBA, and Aviation units, assisted in the operation, and identities of the victims had not been released at that time.

Manuel Hernandez, 46, of New York, was arrested on Sunday on 13 counts of reckless endangerment, as authorities assess roles of others involved and the vessel operator.

The report draws on ABC7 and CNN coverage and notes an ongoing investigation with updates expected.

Victims’ identities have not been released pending family notifications, and no arrests were reported at the outset of the investigation.

The Coast Guard is evaluating the operator’s compliance with safety rules and whether the vessel exceeded its permitted capacity.

Details about the boat and operator remain scant; the vessel was towed to shore and is in police custody as part of the probe.

Coast Guard and multiple agencies responded swiftly, with rescuers including a Good Samaritan vessel praised for aiding survivors.