New York Harbor boat captain arrested after 2 deaths

US immigration officials have arrested Manuel Hernandez, the captain in a New York Harbor boat tour accident that killed a woman and her five-month-old daughter, authorities said.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Hernandez, 46, after a Coast Guard investigation found that he was unlawfully in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security said. DHS said Hernandez is an El Salvador national who entered the United States through Texas in 2007 and lied to a border official that he was a US citizen.

Federal prosecutors have charged Hernandez with two counts of misconduct and neglect resulting in death after the August 8 capsizing near the Statue of Liberty.

A criminal complaint alleges that the vessel had 14 people on board, more than the 10 allowed, and did not have life jackets for children. It also alleges Hernandez did not have the required licences to operate New York Harbor tours.

According to the complaint, the boat capsized when Hernandez made a U-turn and a swell swamped the vessel, throwing everyone overboard.

Sara Sanchez and baby Antonella Garcia were pulled unresponsive from the water and later pronounced dead at a New York hospital.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Hernandez would be removed from the United States after facing justice for his alleged crimes.