In a chilling recount of a maritime disaster near New York’s iconic Statue of Liberty, a survivor has revealed the terrifying moments leading up to the accident that claimed the lives of a young mother and her infant. The mother and her five-month-old child tragically lost their lives when a boat capsized in the storied harbor waters.

Sara Raez, speaking candidly with the New York Post, recounted that she was among a group of 14 family members and friends who had assembled to joyously commemorate a birthday. But what was intended to be a joyous occasion turned into a nightmare late Saturday night.

The joyous gathering had rented a 21-foot Yamaha AR210, model year 2019, from Zeus Luxury Rentals to surprise her mother, Paula Rivera, on her 41st birthday, according to Raez. This would be a remarkable celebration coupled with a scenic cruise.

Setting sail around 7 p.m., Raez described the boat as “kind of like a yacht”. The vessel glided past the Statue of Liberty, offering spectacular views, yet on their way back, the celebration turned into a disaster at approximately 10:30 p.m.

“Water suddenly started filling the boat,” Raez recounted with harrowing clarity. “The vessel tilted upwards, and in the blink of an eye, it overturned completely,” encapsulating the terror and quick descent into chaos.

All of the passengers were then left stuck underneath the vessel, she said, before crews rescued them and pulled them from the water.

‘We were just trying to get out. Then, when finally everyone got out, everyone was screaming,’ Raez added.

Sara Sanchez, 27, and her five-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, were airlifted to NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn in critical condition but were later pronounced dead.

A dozen others were also transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. 

Sanchez and her daughter are survived by their husband and father, Andres, who was also onboard the boat Saturday night and survived, as well as the couple’s other son.

‘He lost his wife and daughter. It’s very sad,’ an employee at the restaurant where Andres works as a waiter, Il Punto Ristorante, told the Daily Mail. 

Antonio Russo, a manager at the Italian eatery, also told W42St Andres had been working there for five years, describing him as a ‘very hardworking guy.’

The couple had just recently welcomed their baby girl, sharing a video at the end of January showing Sanchez’s pregnant belly covered with lavender butterflies and sparkles.

‘We love you Antonella,’ it read. 

As Andres now works to rebuild with his six-year-old son, Salvador, his employers have created an online fundraiser.

‘This past weekend, what was meant to be a joyful family outing ended in an unimaginable tragedy when a boat carrying Andres and his family capsized,’ Il Punto Ristorante posted to Facebook as it shared the GoFundMe.

‘Our hearts are with Andres and his family as they navigate this tremendous loss. We ask our Il Punto community to please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.’ 

The online fundraiser was created by the restaurant and Marco LaGuardia Hotel, where Andres works as a breakfast manager. 

‘While trying to process the unimaginable loss of Sara and baby Antonella, Andres must now find the strength to move forward and be there for their six-year-old son, Salvador, who has also suffered a heartbreaking loss,’ it notes.

‘Those of us who know and work with Andres want to come together around him and their son during the most difficult time of their lives,’ the fundraiser continues, explaining that the goal is ‘to help ease some of the financial burden Andres will face in the weeks and months ahead.’

Donations will help cover funeral expenses, daily living expenses, Andres’ time away from work and ‘the many unexpected costs that come with a tragedy of this magnitude,’ it says.

‘No amount of money can replace Sara or Antonella,’ the GoFundMe concludes. ‘But together, we can give Andres some breathing room to grieve, take care of their son, Salvador, and begin facing a future that changed in an instant.’ 

As the family now continues to grieve, the boat captain, 46-year-old Manuel Hernandez, has been charged with 13 charges of reckless endangerment, according to the New York Police Department. 

The US Coast Guard is also investigating whether Hernandez may have been operating the motorboat as an illegal charter service, lacking required Coast Guard credentials, safety equipment and a certification of inspection.

Illegal charters may not meet the same safety standards as legal charters.

‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life last night and our thoughts are with the victims’ family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,’ Captain Doreen McCarthy, of Coast Guard’s New York Sector said in a statement. 

‘We are committed to holding illegal operators accountable to [the] highest extent of the law to ensure the safety of everyone on our waterways.’ 

Zeus Luxury, from which the bowrider was reportedly chartered, is described online as ‘one of the leading companies in limousine, party bus and yacht rentals in the tri-state area.’

The Daily Mail has reached out to the company for comment. 

But a source previously told the Post that the boat, with a typical capacity of around ten people, should not have had more than five passengers on board.

‘Recreational boating in New York Harbor is the Wild West,’ the source told the outlet. ‘Uncharted debris, rip rap, bridge abutments, anchorage chains, commercial shipping channels, marine plane traffic.’ 

Following the devastating trip, harrowing cries from loved ones of the victims could be heard at the hospital, the New York Post reported. 

‘No. Why? Why? No,’ a relative reportedly screamed in horror. People at the hospital were also reportedly still holding their life jackets.

Multiple units from the FDNY, Harbor, Scuba and Aviation, responded to the scene in the Hudson River near Buoy 32 between the Statue of Liberty and Bay Ridge Anchorage, police told CNN.

Divers with the New York Police Department were also seen in the water rescuing passengers.

Footage from the scene showed multiple emergency vessels in the water flashing lights. 

The Daily Mail has reached out to the NYPD and Zeus Luxury for more information. 

The New York Islanders are taking a cautious approach with their prospects. Despite a lackluster offseason, the team is gearing up for training camp next month with a competitive depth chart that rising star Victor Eklund will need to navigate and prove himself.

While retaining veterans like Ondrej Palat, Anthony Duclair, and Pierre Engvall might not have been primarily about fostering young talent, it incidentally benefits Eklund’s maturation by placing him amidst seasoned competitors.

The crowded roster on the wings guarantees a challenging environment in which Eklund must earn his place instead of landing it by default. Even if he doesn’t make the starting lineup for the season opener in Toronto on September 29, the natural ebb and flow of the season suggests he will get his opportunity sooner rather than later.

This situation is vastly different from the dramatic entrance of Matthew Schaefer into the NHL. At just 19, Eklund, who spent the majority of last season with his hometown Swedish Hockey League team Djurgårdens, is expected to take on a role in training camp akin to Cal Ritchie’s previous year.

Ritchie arrived at camp as a seemingly superfluous 24th player on a roster that ultimately made room for 23. He impressed everyone, leaving little doubt he was NHL-caliber despite a minor injury that temporarily delayed this inevitable decision. After just one game in the AHL, he quickly found his place with the Islanders for the remainder of the season.

Should Eklund follow a similar path, his 2026-27 season would be a rousing success.

“I think the question is not if he’s going to be able to play in the NHL. The question is how much can you get out from him to his maximum, if you know what I mean,” Michael Holmqvist, a Djurgårdens assistant coach and Eklund family friend, told The Post on Sunday, “because I think a lot of players can survive playing and doing the job, getting the pucks out, getting the pucks deep and stuff like that and be an energy guy. But I think there’s a lot more to Vic than just being that.

“So the question for me is, what’s the best thing for him to do right now? Is it to work himself into the NHL right away and trust the process, stuff like that? Or get more time practicing his offensive game. I think that’s the question for the Islanders.”

Eklund, along with Anton Frondell, Viggo Björck and fellow Islanders prospect Calle Odelius, has been practicing with Djurgårdens recently as SHL training camp has picked up. He’s put on a few pounds of muscle, and that will need to continue being a theme as he grows.

Even with a wiry frame, 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, he has a terrific reputation for winning puck battles and one-on-ones along the boards. There is some question whether he’ll need more muscle for it to translate to the NHL, but, Holmqvist said, he wondered the same when Eklund went from the Allsvenskan — Sweden’s second division — to the SHL, only for his compete level to keep shining through.

Eventually, that relentlessness could translate into Eklund being an effective net-front player, something the Islanders desperately need with Anders Lee’s exit. There is still, though, a long way to go.

“I talked about that three days ago with him,” Holmqvist said. “Because we talked about it last year to find that spot and that’s probably where he’s going to find most of his goals and points. So he’s aware of it, but he needs someone to be there every day and remind, remind, remind..”

What the finished product looks like is a question that won’t be answered this year. For an Islanders club in transition, that’s perfectly fine. They have the luxury of being able to cater to what’s best for their prospects. As for what that is?

“I think the next couple months will tell,” Holmqvist said.

In a revealing series of photos, Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton are proving their relationship is rock solid. The couple radiated happiness, cozy in their affectionate snapshots.

The notable Formula One driver, 41, and the renowned SKIMS entrepreneur, 45, have been linked romantically since November 2025. Kim even made an appearance at the Monaco Grand Prix in June to cheer on her racing beau.

Taking to Instagram, Kim shared highlights from her week, including a handful of selfies with Lewis, who has taken a break from his intense racing schedule for the summer.

In one of the images, the couple is seen snuggling in coordinated loungewear; another shot captures Kim in a sleek white crop top, flaunting her chic style.

Always one to celebrate her iconic silhouette, Kim didn’t shy away from showcasing her curves in a playful pink and white bikini.

In July, the British star made a rare comment about his ladylove at Silverstone Circuit racing venue during the British Grand Prix.

After a fan observed, ‘You’ve been a happier man recently, why’s that? Could that be a girlfriend?’ Hamilton responded: ‘Yeah, that’s a good one!’ 

He later added: ‘Of course, of course, it’s Kim.’

Earlier this summer the sports star joined his girlfriend and her huge family on a lake trip.

He appeared in various photos she shared on social media, revealing he has met and spent time with the four kids she shares with ex-husband Kanye West, 49: North, 13, Saint, 10, Chicago, eight, and Psalm, seven.

Kardashian and West tied the knot in Italy in 2014, less than one year after North was born.

She filed to divorce the Chicago-born rapper in February 2021 and the split was finalised in November 2022.

Prior to West, she was married twice before – first to music producer Damon Thomas, whom she divorced in 2004 after nearly four years of marriage.

She later wed NBA player Kris Humphries in 2011, with the marriage famously lasting just 72 days. The divorce was finalised in 2013.

Hamilton was first romantically linked to SKIMS founder Kardashian earlier this year, yet the Grand Prix marked their first PDA-filled outing. 

The pair enjoyed a trip to Japan together and they are said to have spent a weekend at Estelle Manor in the Cotswolds, England, as well as visiting Paris, France in early February. 

They also appeared publicly together during the 2026 Super Bowl in February, when they were shown on the stadium’s big screen during the game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.

Hamilton – who has previously been linked romantically with singer Nicole Scherzinger and actress Sofía Vergara – and Kardashian had previously known each other for several years.

A source told Us Weekly: ‘Because their relationship started with a friendship first, those closest to them believe this could be endgame for them both.

‘They are both very committed to making things work no matter how long the distance is or how busy they are.’

Meanwhile, Kardashian – who is mother to North, 13, Saint, ten, Chicago, eight, and Psalm, seven, with her ex-husband Kanye West – is said to be taking her new relationship seriously.

A source recently told PEOPLE: ‘[Lewis is] just an easy-going guy with great energy. Her family likes him and Kim’s very into him. They are both busy with their careers, but see each other as much as possible.’

They are said to have ‘more than just a casual connection’ with the insider adding: ‘It takes a lot to capture Kim’s interest and she’s definitely intrigued.’

This article contains discussions of suicide. If you or someone you care for is experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

A chilling incident in North Dakota has led to severe charges against a mother accused of fatally stabbing her two young children. Described by police as a “horrific” scene, it left responding officers deeply shaken.

The accused, 22-year-old Kailey Erhart, reportedly killed her 5-month-old and 3-year-old children last Thursday, following a confrontation where she brandished a gun at her estranged husband and made threats against her own life.

A one-year-old was also attacked but survived the ordeal with significant injuries. This child required surgical intervention, though authorities have not provided updates on the child’s current condition.

Mandan Police Chief Jason Ziegler said the crime scene was likely one of the most horrific things his officers will ever see.

“A scene like that is something that nobody should ever have to see, and the way [the officers] came through in one of the most horrific times that they’ll probably experience in their life, I’m proud,” Mandan Police Chief Jason Ziegler said at a press conference.

“I want to acknowledge this is an extreme, tragic and heartbreaking incident for the children involved, their families, our community and first responders who arrived on scene,” he added. “Our thoughts are with everyone that were impacted.”

The kids’ father, who intended to file for divorce, was at home with their children when police were alerted that Erhart was threatening to end her own life, KFYR reported.

Earlier that day, Erhart threatened her husband with a gun she had recently purchased, but he was able to disarm her during a physical struggle, take the gun apart and scatter the pieces. Erhart bit and scratched him during the struggle, according to the report.

The children’s grandmother was at the home when the killings happened, telling police that Erhart chased her and the kids’ father out of the house with a knife before the alleged slayings.

Erhart faces nine charges, including two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and multiple counts of aggravated assault and terrorizing.

A judge set Erhart’s cash bond at $3 million, highlighting “the extreme violence in these alleged charges and the threat to the community, victims, and children,” according to KFYR.

The court also issued formal no-contact orders barring Erhart from contacting the surviving victims or family members.

Erhart’s preliminary hearing and arraignment are set for October 6.

A GoFundMe created to support the children and their father has raised more than $25,000 as of Sunday night.

“He is a father trying to survive something no parent should ever have to face,” the fundraiser created by the man’s mother reads. “I lost two precious souls in a devastating tragedy after they were murdered by their mother, and the pain is more than I can put into words. Every day, we are carrying unimaginable grief while also trying to stay strong for his surviving child, who is receiving ongoing medical care and facing challenges no child should ever have to endure.”