On Thursday, Richard Cruz, the captain of an unauthorized tour boat that tragically capsized in the Hudson River, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. This incident, which occurred on July 12, 2022, claimed the lives of a 48-year-old woman and a 7-year-old child, who drowned after being trapped beneath the vessel. Cruz, aged 33 and from Elizabeth, New Jersey, had pleaded guilty to misconduct and neglect charges related to boating in October.
The boat, named Stimulus Money, was found to be dangerously overloaded and was operated without the necessary Coast Guard credentials required to carry paying passengers. According to court documents, Cruz admitted to recklessly disregarding safety regulations, which played a significant role in the tragic accident.
On the day of the incident, it was revealed that Cruz had been operating the boat at high speeds despite warnings about hazardous weather conditions, including strong winds and rough seas. This negligence contributed to the boat flipping over, throwing all 13 people aboard into the frigid waters near Manhattan's West Side.
U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, who is based in Manhattan, emphasized the broader implications of this case, stating that it serves as a warning to commercial boat captains about the serious consequences of failing to adhere to established federal regulations and safety protocols designed to protect passengers.
In addition to his prison sentence, Cruz has been ordered by the court to pay $50,000 to cover the funeral expenses for the victims of this tragic accident. As the families mourn the loss of their loved ones, this case highlights the critical importance of safety in the recreational boating industry and the responsibilities of those who operate commercial vessels.
The incident has sparked discussions regarding regulatory measures and the need for stricter enforcement to prevent similar tragedies in the future. It serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers faced by passengers on unregulated boats, pushing for greater accountability within the industry.
