Captain faces federal charges after deadly New York Harbor boat capsizing

A boat captain is facing federal charges after a tour vessel capsized in New York Harbor, killing a 27-year-old mother and her 5-month-old daughter.

(CNN)- A boat captain is facing federal charges after a tour vessel capsized in New York Harbor, killing a 27-year-old mother and her 5-month-old daughter.

The tragedy happened Saturday near the Statue of Liberty as 14 people were aboard the private vessel.

Authorities say the boat had been on the water for more than three hours when the captain piloted it into a swell, causing the vessel to capsize and sending everyone onboard into the water.

Emergency crews and nearby private vessels rushed to the scene to help rescue those in the harbor.

The mother and her infant daughter were taken to a hospital in critical condition but were later pronounced dead.

Twelve other people were hospitalized, including the vessel’s 46-year-old captain, Manuel Hernandez.

Hernandez is now facing federal charges in connection with the incident. He did not enter a plea during his initial court appearance Monday and was released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond.

The tragedy has devastated the victims’ family and those who know them.

Santina Wiggins, a colleague of the woman’s husband, Andres Garcia, described him as someone who would “take the shirt off his back” to help others.

“All he wanted to do was have a family and live the dream,” Wiggins said.

Hernandez’s attorney has been contacted for comment.