Boat capsizes during New York tour, killing mother and infant

A boat carrying 14 people capsized in New York Harbor on August 9, 2026, killing a young mother and her baby. Sara Sanchez, 27, and her five-month-old daughter Antonella Garcia both died. The group had chartered the boat for a surprise birthday party and were returning from the Statue of Liberty when the front of the vessel suddenly went underwater. All 14 passengers were thrown into the water within seconds. The boat had a maximum capacity of 10 people, so it was carrying four more than allowed. The captain has been arrested. The boating company said its operations were legal and that passenger numbers followed the rules. Investigators are still working to find the exact cause of the capsizing.