Unlicensed Boat Operator Pleads Guilty In Hudson River Capsizing That Killed 2, Faces 10 Years In Jail

Capsized sailboat — Image for representation purposes only

A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to misconduct and neglect that led to the deaths of a seven-year-old boy and a 48-year-old woman after his vessel capsized in the Hudson River in July 2022.

Richard Cruz, 32, admitted in court that his careless actions as the owner and operator of the boat Stimulus Money caused the tragedy.

Cruz pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla and was sentenced to ten years in prison. The sentencing is set for January 25, 2025.

Per the authorities, Cruz had previously conducted unlicensed boat tours despite not having the required United States Coast Guard (USCG) certifications.

On the day the incident occurred, Cruz operated the vessel with 13 people onboard, which was beyond its capacity to handle, and ignored a dangerous weather alert warning of strong winds and rough seas.

The boat, Stimulus Money, capsized around 2:40 p.m. on July 12, 2022, throwing all 13 passengers overboard.

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Dive Rescue Team and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) Harbor Unit arrived immediately at the location and rescued 11 survivors.

Unfortunately, the young boy and the woman were found unconscious under the overturned vessel and were later declared dead from drowning.

Cruz was charged with several violations, including operating the vessel without authorized USCG licensing, exceeding passenger limits, and failing to obtain a USCG Certificate of Inspection.

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said Cruz’s actions directly caused the deaths and served as a warning to other operators about the importance of adhering to safety regulations.

Cruz, who had purchased the boat only three months before the accident, had regularly carried paying customers without proper authorization.

His actions on that tragic day of the accident, including operating the boat at high speeds despite dangerous conditions, led to the capsizing.

Reference: US Justice Department

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