Two tour boat operators have been charged in connection with a tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of a 7-year-old boy and his aunt in July 2022. Richard Cruz and Jaime Pinilla Gomez were arrested and face up to 10 years in prison for their alleged misconduct. The incident occurred when Gomez was operating a jet boat named Stimulus Money in the Hudson River off Manhattan, and the boat capsized, resulting in the deaths of two passengers who were trapped under the vessel.
The boat tour, which had not been certified by the US Coast Guard, was carrying more passengers than the vessel’s maximum capacity. In addition, Gomez was accused of operating the boat at a high rate of speed during adverse weather conditions. Federal prosecutors stated that Gomez’s lack of experience as a mariner led to the tragic accident.
The victims, Lindelia Vasquez and her 7-year-old nephew Julian, were visiting New York from Florida and Colombia. Both drowned in the incident. US Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the importance of following safety regulations to ensure the well-being of passengers and prevent such tragedies from occurring. The defendants are facing charges for neglecting safety protocols and operating the vessel in an unsafe manner. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with reckless boating practices and the need for strict adherence to regulations to prevent loss of life.
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