Boat Operator Arrested After 2 Die In Liberty Island Capsizing: Authorities

NEW YORK — The operator of a boat that capsized near Liberty Island, killing a mother and her 5-month-old daughter, was arrested on a dozen counts of reckless endangerment as authorities investigate what caused the fatal incident.

The 22-foot vessel overturned at about 10:25 p.m. Saturday, near Liberty Island, sending all 14 people aboard into the water, according to the U.S. Coast Guard and NYPD.

Two Coast Guard Station New York boats, four FDNY boats, two NYPD boats and an NYPD helicopter responded to the scene to rescue people from the water. A total of 12 people were rescued before police arrived, according to the NYPD.

A Sea the City boat was the first to spot the overturned vessel and people in the water, helping rescue 11 people, company founder Adam Schwartz told CBS News.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night, and our thoughts are with the victims' family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," said Captain Doreen McCarthy, the Coast Guard Sector New York Commander. "We are extremely grateful for the heroic, swift actions of our partner agencies and Good Samaritan vessel who assisted in rescuing survivors from the water. We are working closely with CGIS and the NYPD to investigate this incident. We are committed to holding illegal operators accountable to highest extent of the law to ensure the safety of everyone on our waterways."

NYPD divers located a 27-year-old woman and a 5-month-old girl in the water. Both were taken to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn in critical condition and later pronounced dead, police said. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification of their families.

The remaining survivors were reported to be in stable condition.

Manuel Hernandez, 46, of New York, was arrested at about 2:25 a.m. Sunday in connection with the incident and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment, according to the NYPD.

The Coast Guard said investigators are also determining whether the vessel was being operated as an illegal charter and are coordinating that investigation with the NYPD.

The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Investigative Service and NYPD are conducting an active marine casualty investigation into the circumstances and cause of the capsizing.

The NYPD Harbor Unit, SCUBA Team and Aviation units responded to the scene following a 911 call reporting the overturned vessel, police said.

The investigation remains ongoing.