NEW YORK—The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
reported that the captain of a charter boat that sank in New York Harbor,
resulting in the deaths of a 27-year-old woman and her five-month-old baby, is
a Salvadoran national with irregular immigration status.
According to the DHS, the man was operating a tour boat
without the proper license. Authorities allege he had been conducting illegal
business activities prior to the accident.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin called the operation “illegal
and reckless” and stated that the captain will be held accountable for his
actions related to the shipwreck.
“Once he is brought to justice for his crimes, we will
ensure that he is swiftly removed from our country,” Mullin declared. The
accident resulted in the deaths of a 27-year-old woman and her five-month-old
son, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to
the shipwreck and potential criminal liability.
The case has also brought under scrutiny the conditions
under which tourist excursions were conducted in New York Harbor, as well as
compliance with safety and licensing requirements for these types of
activities.
The captain's immigration status and the charges against him
will be determined according to the corresponding legal process.