New York Police Department Boat
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 17: An NYPD boat approaches a disabled Mexican Navy tall ship as it floats between the Brooklyn and the Manhattan bridges on the East River on May 17, 2025 in New York City. The ship reportedly struck the Brooklyn Bridge as it was traveling north. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Two Dead, 14 Injured After Boat Capsizes Near Liberty Island

A woman and a five-month-old baby have died after a boat capsized near the Statue of Liberty in New York, leaving 12 others injured.

A woman and a five-month-old baby have died after a boat carrying more than a dozen people capsized in New York on Saturday night.

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Twelve other people suffered injuries and required hospital treatment following the incident on August 8.

The boat overturned in New York Harbor off Liberty Island, near the Statue of Liberty, at around 10:27 p.m. local time.

New York Boat Capsizes Near Statue of Liberty

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) said emergency services received reports of a capsized boat with multiple people in the water.

"NYPD divers rescued people from water. Two civilian patients in critical condition [were] transported to NYU Langone Health Brooklyn," a statement read. "Twelve civilian patients with minor injuries were transported to area hospitals."

Emergency responders initially recovered the woman and five-month-old baby in critical condition and rushed them to the hospital.

Both later died from their injuries.

Authorities have not publicly identified either victim at this time.

Multiple emergency agencies responded to the incident, including the FDNY and New York City Police Department. NYPD Harbor, Scuba, and Aviation units also assisted with the response.

According to the New York Post, the vessel involved was a 22-foot bowrider motorboat.

Investigation Launched Into Deadly Capsizing

Authorities have yet to determine what caused the boat to overturn.

The U.S. Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and plans to interview the boat's captain.

In the aftermath, several people involved in the capsizing could reportedly be seen inside the lobby of NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn still holding their life jackets.

Emergency crews also continued searching the dark waters of the harbor, with red and blue lights from rescue vessels illuminating the scene.

The tragedy comes just weeks after another deadly boating incident on the opposite side of the country.

A three-level pontoon boat carrying 20 people sank near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, killing four people.

Emergency crews rescued 16 others, including three who required hospital treatment.

According to the San Francisco Fire Department, most of the vessel was already underwater when first responders arrived, leaving only its top deck above the surface.

Officials said some passengers were in the water while others remained aboard the boat. None of those recovered from the water were wearing life jackets.

Authorities also confirmed that a dog aboard the vessel died.