Updated
Updated · WPVI-TV · Aug 20
ICE Detains 46-Year-Old NYC Boat Operator in Fatal Capsizing Over 2007 Illegal Entry
Updated
Updated · WPVI-TV · Aug 20

ICE Detains 46-Year-Old NYC Boat Operator in Fatal Capsizing Over 2007 Illegal Entry

3 articles · Updated · WPVI-TV · Aug 20

Summary

  • ICE took Manuel Hernandez-Umana into custody Wednesday after he was released on bond in the New York Harbor capsizing that killed 27-year-old Sarah Sanchez and her 5-month-old daughter.
  • DHS said the 46-year-old El Salvador native entered the U.S. through Texas in 2007 by falsely claiming U.S. citizenship, leading ICE to hold him for illegal presence pending trial.
  • Federal prosecutors accuse Hernandez-Umana of recklessly running unlicensed boat tours; he now faces two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death.
  • New York officials had already filed 13 reckless-endangerment counts, and authorities said he would serve any prison term first if convicted before deportation.

Insights

How did an unlicensed luxury rental company operate illegal, overcrowded tours in a heavily patrolled New York Harbor without detection?
Will the luxury charter business that hired an uncredentialed operator face severe maritime wrongful death liabilities for this preventable tragedy?