Federal authorities have charged a boat captain in connection with a fatal accident near Liberty Island last weekend that resulted in the deaths of a mother and her infant daughter. Manuel Hernandez, 46, faces two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer leading to death, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday in Federal District Court in Manhattan.

The incident occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on Saturday, when the Yamaha AR210 vessel Hernandez was operating capsized with 14 people on board. The boat was carrying more passengers than its maximum allowable capacity of 10, the complaint states. Among those who died were 27-year-old Sara Sanchez and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella, who was reportedly not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the accident. Investigators say there was no child- or infant-sized life jacket available on the boat.

Following his arrest, Hernandez reportedly told New York Police Department and Coast Guard officers that he was piloting a vessel owned by a friend, as his own boat was under repair. The complaint further alleges that Hernandez lacked the proper Coast Guard credentials required to operate a vessel with paying customers on board.

Hernandez appeared before a federal magistrate judge Monday afternoon and was released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. He did not comment at the hearing, nor did his attorney.

The boat charter was arranged through Zeus Luxury Rental, a Queens-based company that markets itself as a provider of limousines and rental yacht services. Though federal prosecutors did not name the company in the complaint, an included promotional screenshot corresponded with its advertising. The tour had been booked by Alexander Reyes as a birthday surprise for his wife.

Questions about Zeus Luxury Rental’s safety practices have arisen following the accident. The company operated another vessel involved in a July 2025 incident near the Bronx, when a boat burst into flames, forcing over 20 passengers to jump into the water. In that case, the captain, Joshua Brito, was arrested and faced criminal charges including assault and reckless endangerment. Prosecutors said Brito had been drinking alcohol and lacked the necessary captain’s license at the time. Victims included a woman who nearly drowned and a man who sustained severe burns. Brito pleaded not guilty in September.

Lawsuits related to the 2025 fire remain pending. Loriann Garcia, the woman who almost drowned, filed suit in Brooklyn State Supreme Court earlier this year against Brito, Zeus Luxury Rental, and its owners, citing misleading advertisements on the company’s TikTok account.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jamie McDonald emphasized that Hernandez’s alleged actions violated federal maritime safety regulations designed to protect passengers. Coast Guard Investigative Service Assistant Director Josh Packer stated that illegal charter operations are dangerous and noted “in this case, the alleged conduct led to an unthinkable tragedy.”

Zeus Luxury Rental has not responded to requests for comment. The investigation into the Liberty Island accident is ongoing.