Capsizing Tragedy Near Liberty Island

Late Saturday night, a small vessel overturned in New York harbor close to Liberty Island, the site of the Statue of Liberty. Police received a 911 call at about 10:25 p.m. and dispatched divers and aviation teams to the scene. The capsizing occurred in the water adjacent to the island, prompting an immediate rescue effort.

CNN

The New York Police Department confirmed that divers were sent to locate the occupants and that the U.S. Coast Guard dispatched investigators to interview the boat’s captain and determine the cause of the overturning. Both agencies emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that no arrests have been made. The NYPD also noted that the Coast Guard’s team is continuing its inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

CNN

Twelve individuals were rescued from the water by emergency responders. Divers later recovered the bodies of a 27-year-old woman and her five-month-old infant daughter. Both victims were transported to a hospital where they were pronounced dead. Police have not confirmed whether the woman and the infant were related.

CNN

New York harbor is a heavily trafficked waterway that frequently hosts recreational and commercial vessels. Accidents in the area, while relatively rare, draw swift multi-agency responses due to the proximity of high-profile landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty. This incident underscores the ongoing safety challenges faced by small craft operating in busy harbor waters.

CNN