Boat owner sentenced for deadly Hudson River capsizing
- Richard Cruz, the owner of the vessel involved in the accident, was found guilty of misconduct related to the deaths.
- The boat capsized in July 2022, resulting in the tragic deaths of a mother and her child.
- Cruz's sentencing serves to emphasize accountability for safety regulations in commercial boating.
In 2022, a tragic incident occurred in the Hudson River involving a tour boat named 'Stimulus Money,' which capsized while carrying 13 passengers. The owner and captain of the boat, Richard Cruz, lacked the necessary credentials and certifications to operate a commercial tour service. On July 12, the boat was overloaded and operated at a high speed despite warnings about severe weather conditions in the area. This negligence resulted in a catastrophic accident that claimed the lives of Julián Vasquez, a 7-year-old boy, and his mother, Lindelia Vasquez, aged 48, who were trapped under the vessel. Following the accident, authorities investigated the events leading up to the capsizing, discovering that Cruz had previously purchased the boat but did not adhere to safety regulations. The boat had exceeded its maximum capacity, and Cruz took passengers out on tours, endangering their lives. After a thorough investigation, both Cruz and another individual, Jaime Pinilla Gomez, faced charges due to their roles in this incident. Cruz pleaded guilty to charges of misconduct and neglect, resulting in his sentencing. On January 29, 2023, Richard Cruz was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $50,000 for the victims' funeral expenses. The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations aimed at protecting passengers and indicated that the sentencing would serve as a warning to others operating tour boats without proper licenses. The emotional aftermath of this incident has led to increased scrutiny of tour boat operators in the area, as families and local communities mourn the loss of the two victims. Federal prosecutors hope that this case will spark a deeper investigation into similar incidents throughout the region, aiming to hold accountable those who disregard safety measures designed to protect passengers on commercial vessels.