NEW YORK — The Coast Guard is conducting an active investigation into the circumstances and cause of a fatal incident involving an overturned vessel near Liberty Island on the evening of August 8, 2026.
On Saturday evening, August 8, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard, New York City Fire Department (FDNY), and NYPD responded to a report of an overturned vessel in the vicinity of the Statue of Liberty with all persons on board going into the water.
Two Coast Guard Station New York boats, four FDNY and two NYPD boats, as well as an NYPD helicopter deployed to rescue the persons in the water. While all persons on the overturned vessels were recovered, two of the passengers, a mother and child, were pronounced deceased shortly after recovery. The remaining survivors are reported to be in stable condition.
Following the initial rescue, the operator of the vessel was arrested by the NYPD for reckless endangerment. Coast Guard Investigators are also determining whether the operation constitutes an illegal charter operation and are coordinating efforts in conjunction with NYPD. The Coast Guard, in coordination with the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and the NYPD, is conducting an active marine casualty investigation into the circumstances and cause of a fatal vessel capsizing.
"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," said Captain Doreen McCarthy, the Coast Guard Sector New York Commander. "We are extremely grateful for the heroic, swift actions of our partner agencies and Good Samaritan vessel who assisted in rescuing survivors from the water. We are working closely with CGIS and the NYPD to investigate this incident. We are committed to holding illegal operators accountable to highest extent of the law to ensure the safety of everyone on our waterways."
An illegal charter is any passenger-for-hire vessel operation that lacks required U.S. Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment, and certificate of inspection. Illegal charter operations often lack necessary safety equipment and may not meet the same safety standards as legal charters, posing a safety hazard to paying passengers.
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