Liberty Island, NY (August 10, 2026) – A 5-month-old girl and a 27-year-old woman died after the boat they were riding in overturned near Liberty Island late Saturday, August 8.
The New York Fire Department and Police were called to the water at about 10:20 p.m., pulling 12 other passengers to safety. The vessel, a 22-foot bowrider boat that typically carries 10 to 12 people, had 14 people aboard at the time.
The girl and the woman were taken to a hospital in critical condition, where they were later pronounced dead. The 12 other passengers were treated for minor injuries.
The boat's operator was arrested and charged with 13 counts of reckless endangerment. Investigators are also looking into whether the outing was running as an unauthorized charter.
The exact cause of the capsizing is still being examined.
Our condolences go out to the family during this devastating loss.
Families who lose a loved one in a boating accident in New York may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the boat's operator or owner under state and federal maritime law.
New York's waterways, including the Hudson River, the East River, and the busy corridor near the Staten Island Ferry route, carry thousands of recreational and commercial vessels each year, and a capsizing can raise complicated questions about which laws apply.
Boating accidents can lead to drowning, hypothermia from cold-water exposure, and blunt-force trauma from being thrown against the vessel or the water's surface. Even those who survive can face traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or lasting psychological effects from a night on the water that turned dangerous.
When a boat's operator is found reckless or a vessel exceeds a safe passenger count, a wrongful death lawyer can help a family understand where liability may rest, whether with the operator, the boat's owner, or a charter company if the trip was run without proper authorization. A wrongful death or injury claim in these cases can allow a family to seek certain compensation, though outcomes vary and nothing is guaranteed.
At Metro Law, we know this kind of loss is difficult to process, and legal questions are often the last thing on a family's mind right now. Our team is available to answer any questions about maritime and personal injury claims for families affected by a boating accident in New York.
If you'd like to learn more, you can reach Metro Law at (800) 469-6476. We are here to provide you with clear information whenever you are ready.
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