The Pair Died After a Boat Overturned in New York Harbor Near the Statue

Twelve people were rescued after the incident, which happened at about 10:25 p.m. The woman and infant were later found in the water by police divers and taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead, the NYPD said. Fox News reported that the victims were found by NYPD divers after other passengers had already been rescued from the water. Police have not confirmed whether the victims were related.

Their identities have not been publicly released. The New York City Fire Department told Newsweek that two critically injured patients were transported to NYU Langone Health Brooklyn, while 12 people with minor injuries were taken to area hospitals. Newsweek has contacted the U.S. Coast Guard for comment.

Fox News reported the vessel was a 22-foot bowrider, citing a police source. The NYPD’s Harbor Unit, Scuba Team and Aviation Unit responded to the scene, along with the U.S. Coast Guard. The New York Post reported that some survivors and relatives were seen at the hospital following the incident, with some survivors still wearing life jackets.

The newspaper also reported that emergency vessels could be seen searching the harbor after the boat overturned. The U.S. Coast Guard told CNN that investigators planned to interview the boat's captain as part of the ongoing investigation into what caused the vessel to capsize. New York State law requires operators of motorized vessels to complete a state-approved boating safety course and generally requires motorized boats to be registered. State and federal rules also require recreational vessels to carry appropriate safety equipment, including U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.