Federal investigators are probing whether the Liberty Island boat was an allegedly unlicensed charter. The investigation into whether the trip was an unlicensed passenger-for-hire operation is ongoing, and no determination has been made. The 8 August accident killed 27-year-old Sara Sanchez and her five-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia, while 12 other people were rescued.
The 22-foot Bayliner overturned at about 10.25pm near the Statue of Liberty. Police divers recovered Sanchez and Garcia from the water, and both were later pronounced dead at the hospital.
