A speedboat operator has been charged in federal court with misconduct and neglect after a vessel capsized near the Statue of Liberty, killing a 27-year-old mother and her infant daughter.

Manuel Hernandez, 46, of Manville, New Jersey, wiped away tears during his initial appearance in Manhattan federal court on Monday, where he appeared in ankle shackles. He was released on $50,000 bail without entering a plea.

Sara Sanchez and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, died after the 22-foot Yamaha AR210 speedboat overturned in New York Harbor late Saturday.

Authorities attributed the disaster to an overcrowded boat, improper decision-making by Hernandez, a lack of required commercial licenses, and the failure to secure a life jacket on the infant. Twelve other individuals were rescued and remain in stable condition.

Following the hearing, court-appointed attorney Amy Gallicchio guided Hernandez to a waiting vehicle, with both declining to offer comment.

The vessel was retrieved from the water and transported to the New York Police Department’s harbor unit facility on Randall’s Island.

Although state charges were initially lodged over the weekend, prosecutors announced Monday that Hernandez will face trial in federal court. He was transferred into federal custody on Sunday.

A federal criminal complaint levels two charges against Hernandez, alleging that as the operator, his negligent actions and omissions led to the capsizing and fatalities. Prosecutors noted the boat carried 14 people, exceeding its maximum limit of 10.

Officials further stated that he knowingly operated the boat with an infant aboard despite being aware that no infant- or child-sized life jackets were present.

The evening charter began at 7 p.m. Saturday and was more than three hours underway when Hernandez steered the boat toward the Statue of Liberty and executed a U-turn into a swell, likely created by the wake of a larger passing vessel, according to court documents.

In an attempt to maneuver past the swell, Hernandez accelerated, causing water to swamp the bow and immediately capsize the vessel, prosecutors wrote.

Hernandez informed investigators that he had worked for the charter firm on a freelance or contract basis since last year, starting out as a limousine driver.

He acknowledged using his personal boat, a slightly larger Yamaha AR250, twice recently for tours organized through Zeus Luxury Rentals Inc., according to the filing.

On Saturday, however, he borrowed a friend’s boat because his own was undergoing repairs, omitting to tell the owner that he intended to use it for a commercial tour, court records state.

Hernandez admitted to investigators that he had never obtained the required licensing, claiming he was unaware it was needed.

He also acknowledged proceeding with the excursion involving the 5-month-old infant despite knowing the vessel lacked child-sized life vests.

Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said the "tragedy could have been prevented, and now a family is left to grieve the unimaginable loss of a mother and her 5-month-old daughter because of his negligence."

U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald stated in a press release that Hernandez disregarded federal regulations and maritime safety standards by carrying paying passengers on a commercial trip without the necessary licenses.

"We mourn the tragic drowning deaths of the infant and her mother and urge would-be tour operators and the public to observe all safety protocols for commercial vessels," he added.

Capt. Doreen McCarthy, the Coast Guard Sector New York commander, credited the rescue of the surviving passengers to "heroic, swift actions" by multi-agency responders and a good Samaritan vessel.

Meanwhile, an online fundraiser established Sunday to help partner Andres Garcia pay for funeral and living costs for Sanchez and their daughter had surpassed $25,000 by Tuesday afternoon.

Garcia was also aboard the vessel when it overturned.

Antonio Russo, general manager at Il Punto Ristorante, called Garcia an "amazing guy" who worked extensive hours weekly as a driver, waiter, and food-runner to support his family in New York and Colombia.

Diego Naranjo, a Queens neighbor of Sanchez, recalled first meeting her last spring when her young son accidentally threw a ball into his yard, leading to an invitation for him to play on a trampoline with Naranjo's children.

"They were really nice people. You can see when a person is noble," Naranjo said, adding that he was deeply shocked after having just seen Sanchez bringing groceries home last Tuesday.