ICE arrests boat captain in New York Harbor crash that killed 2

Aug. 20 (UPI) — The boat captain who is facing charges over a crash that killed two earlier this month in New York Harbor has been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security said.

Manuel Ernesto Hermandez-Umana, 46, was at the helm of the 21-foot boat when it overturned close to the Statue of Liberty on Aug. 8, killing a 27-year-old Sara Sanchez and her 5-month old daughter, Antonella Garcia, according to prosecutors.

Hermana is facing federal charges of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death. He did not enter a plea in federal court on Aug. 10 during an initial appearance. He was released that day on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond and is barred from operating boat or vessels.

His next court date is Sept. 9.

The complaint against Hernandez said that he piloted the boat into a swell and accelerated the throttle to try to p*** through it, CNN said. The swell swamped the bow of the boat, capsizing it, the complaint said. Prosecutors also said there were no infant life vests aboard.

Hernandez, from El Salvador, said he illegally entered the country in 2007 through Texas, “falsely” telling a Customs and Border Protection officer that he was a U.S. citizen to enter the country.

He also faces state charges, the New York Police Department said, including 13 counts of reckless endangerment.

“Once he faces justice for his crimes, we will make sure that he is swiftly removed from our country,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in the statement.