Captain of capsized boat that killed mom and daughter is released on $50,000 bail – as he’s seen for first time since doomed nighttime sail

The captain in charge of a boat that capsized in New York harbor, killing a young woman and her five-month-old daughter, has been seen for the first time. 

Manuel Hernandez, 46, was released on a $50,000 bond on Monday afternoon. His next hearing is scheduled for September 9.

The boat captain faced 13 state charges of reckless endangerment after Sara Sanchez, 27, and her daughter, five-month-old Antonella Garcia, were killed when the boat flipped in New York Harbor at around 10.30pm on Saturday.

Hernandez was transferred to federal custody on Sunday after being treated at a Brooklyn hospital for minor injuries, sources told the New York Post.

His state-level criminal charges are no longer being pursued as a federal investigation into the boat captain moves forward. He was arraigned in federal court on Monday on misconduct and neglect charges, the Post reported.

A federal investigation into Hernandez is centered whether he was running a passenger-for-hire business without proper US Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment or a certificate of inspection. 

Investigators are also working to determine whether the 21-foot white Yamaha AR210 Hernandez was captaining with 14 people on board had been overloaded.

Captain Doreen McCarthy, of the Coast Guard’s New York Sector, said in a statement: ‘We are committed to holding illegal operators accountable to [the] highest extent of the law to ensure the safety of everyone on our waterways.’ 

‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night and our thoughts are with the victims’ family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,’ McCarthy added.

This is a breaking news story.