Two Charged in Fatal Hudson River Boat Capsize

The boat, operating without proper licenses, capsized in July 2022, resulting in two deaths and highlighting safety regulation violations.

Two men, Richard Cruz and Jaime Pinilla Gomez, have been charged with misconduct and neglect resulting in the deaths of two passengers after their boat capsized in the Hudson River in July 2022.
The victims, a 7-year-old boy and his 48-year-old aunt, were trapped under the capsized vessel and drowned. The boat, named 'Stimulus Money,' was operating without proper licenses and exceeded its maximum capacity.
Federal prosecutors allege Cruz and Gomez flouted safety regulations, including operating the boat at an unsafe speed in hazardous conditions and failing to possess necessary certifications.
The incident has drawn attention to the dangers of illegal passenger operations, with authorities urging the public to report suspected illegal charters.
Cruz and Gomez face a maximum sentence of 10 years if convicted. The case highlights the importance of adhering to maritime safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies.