Speedboat Driver Charged After Fatal Tour in New York Harbor
A speedboat driver, identified as Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, a citizen of El Salvador, is facing charges after a tour in New York Harbor resulted in the deaths of an infant and her mother when the vessel capsized. Authorities state that…
Houston, TX, August 20, 2026 —
Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, a citizen of El Salvador, is facing multiple charges following a tragic incident in New York Harbor where a speedboat tour capsized, resulting in the deaths of an infant and her mother. Authorities have stated that Hernandez-Umana was in the United States illegally and had provided false information about his citizenship upon entering the country in 2007.
The charges against Hernandez-Umana include operating a vessel without the necessary licensing, disregarding safety regulations, and exceeding the boat’s designated capacity. Investigators allege that the speedboat was illegally chartered and was carrying more passengers than it was designed to safely accommodate.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing is ongoing. The exact timeline of events leading to the accident and the number of passengers on board are key details being examined by authorities as they piece together the events of the tour.
The U.S. immigration status of Hernandez-Umana is a significant factor in the case, with authorities confirming his illegal entry and subsequent misrepresentation of his citizenship. Further details regarding the full extent of the violations and potential penalties are expected as the legal proceedings develop.
Story summarized from the original created by Michael R. Sisak, Associated Press on www.click2houston.com, see more information here.
