NEW YORK CITY — A late-night boating trip near one of New York Harbor’s most recognizable landmarks ended in tragedy Saturday after a vessel carrying 14 people capsized near the Statue of Liberty, leaving a woman and a 5-month-old baby dead.
The emergency unfolded shortly before 10:30 p.m. near Liberty Island, prompting a large search-and-rescue response involving the New York Police Department and other emergency crews.
According to authorities, 12 of the 14 people aboard were pulled from the water alive. They suffered minor injuries and were taken to area hospitals for evaluation and treatment.
Two passengers, however, remained missing in the water as rescuers continued searching around the overturned vessel.
NYPD divers eventually located a 27-year-old woman and a 5-month-old baby girl. Both were recovered in critical condition and rushed to NYU Langone Health Brooklyn, where they were later pronounced dead.
Major Rescue Operation Near Liberty Island
The incident triggered an extensive nighttime rescue effort in New York Harbor, with specialized NYPD Harbor, Scuba and Aviation units, along with other emergency responders, involved in the operation.
Video from the scene showed emergency vessels surrounding the area near Liberty Island as crews searched the dark waters for the missing passengers.
The boat involved in the accident was reported to be a 22-foot recreational motorboat carrying 14 people when it overturned.
Exactly what caused the vessel to capsize has not yet been determined.
The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the incident, as authorities work to establish what happened in the moments before the boat overturned. Investigators are expected to speak with the vessel’s captain as part of that process.
The accident occurred just off Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty and one of the busiest and most recognizable areas of New York Harbor.
What began as a Saturday night on the water ended with a major rescue operation and the deaths of two passengers, including an infant. Authorities have not yet publicly released their identities, and the investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing.
Sources: NYPD; U.S. Coast Guard; CNN; FreedomNews TV; People.
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