NEW YORK (PIX11) - The operators of a boat that capsized in the Hudson River in 2022 were arrested and charged, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams announced Wednesday.
Richard Cruz and Jaime Pinilla Gomez could now face up to 10 years in prison after prosecutors say they disregarded regulations and recklessly operated the motor boat, dubbed “Stimulus Money.”
The capsize killed a 7–year-old boy and 48-year-old woman, who drowned to death, according to prosecutors.
“This case demonstrates the deadly consequences of illegal passenger operations,” said Rear Admiral John Mauger.
Prosecutors say Gomez was rapidly accelerating one engine of the boat just before it capsized, and had been piloting it in a “dangerous manner.” Since he wasn’t wearing a proper safety device, the engine did not stop in the emergency situation, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
The boat had been improperly certified, had too many people on board and was speeding during a wind and sea advisory, according to prosecutors.
All 13 passengers were thrown off the boat when it overturned about 2:45 p.m. near Pier 84, officials said. The boat was chartered by a group of family and friends, and was believed to have started in New Jersey, officials said.
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered local news for years. She has been with PIX11 since 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter.
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