NJ Captain Pleads Guilty In Capsized Boat Tour Drowning Of 7-Year-Old Boy, Woman

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A Union County man pleaded guilty in connection with the deaths of a seven-year-old boy and a 48-year-old woman after a boat he was operating on the Hudson River for tours capsized, said authorities.

Richard Cruz, 32, of Elizabeth pled guilty on Tuesday to misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death, announced United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams.

"Richard Cruz admitted today that his misconduct and negligent actions caused the tragic deaths of a young boy and a woman when Cruz’s vessel capsized in the Hudson River. This prosecution should send a message to all captains and operators of commercial vessels that there will be consequences when they fail to follow the federal regulations and safety protocols that exist to keep passengers safe," said Williams on Tuesday.

Cruz purchased a boat called "Stimulus Money"around three months before the capsizing on July 12, 2022, and conducted boat "tours" for paying customers on multiple occasions, according to authorities.

However, authorities said Cruz did not have the required United States Coast Guard (“USCG”) credentials and certifications to do so. Cruz was

On July 12, 2022, at around 2:40 p.m., Cruz had 13 people on board the boat, exceeding the vessel’s maximum allowable capacity and were also driving at a high rate of speed during a Small Craft Advisory in high winds and heavy seas.

Authorities said both factors caused the boat to capsize on the Hudson River.

Boats from the New York City Police Department Harbor Unit and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Dive Rescue Team, and ferries nearby worked to recover 10 passengers and Gomez who was driving the boat.

Those rescued were conscious and in varying medical conditions. They were taken to hospitals in Manhattan and survived the capsizing.

About 25 minutes after the capsizing, the FDNY Dive Rescue Team recovered the 7-year-old boy and the 48-year-old woman from the Hudson River.

The victims were trapped underneath the capsized vessel and found unconscious. Emergency medical personnel subsequently pronounced the victims dead with the cause of death was drowning, said authorities.

Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 25, 2025, and could receive a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.