Richard Cruz, a New Jersey resident, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison following his involvement in a tragic boating accident that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The sentencing was announced by Danielle R. Sassoon, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Cruz had previously pleaded guilty to misconduct and neglect as a ship officer leading to death.
The incident occurred on July 12, 2022, when Cruz's motor vessel, Stimulus Money, capsized in the Hudson River. This accident led to the deaths of a seven-year-old boy and a 48-year-old woman. At the time of the accident, Cruz was both owner and captain of the vessel. He had been conducting paid tours without possessing necessary credentials from the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon stated: “Today, Richard Cruz has been held accountable for his misconduct and negligent actions that caused the tragic deaths of a young boy and a woman when Cruz’s vessel capsized in the Hudson River. This prosecution should send a message to all captains and operators of commercial vessels that there will be consequences when they fail to follow the federal regulations and safety protocols that exist to keep passengers safe.”
According to court documents, Cruz operated Stimulus Money with 13 people on board, exceeding its capacity limits. Despite an advisory warning about hazardous conditions due to high winds and heavy seas, he continued operating at high speed without obtaining necessary USCG certifications or inspections.
All passengers were thrown overboard during the capsizing event. Emergency responders from New York City Police Department’s Harbor Unit and Fire Department’s Dive Rescue Team arrived quickly at the scene along with nearby ferries providing assistance. Most passengers survived after being transferred to Manhattan hospitals; however, Victim-1 and Victim-2 were found unconscious beneath the vessel and later pronounced dead due to drowning.
In addition to his prison sentence, Cruz has been ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution for funeral expenses related to the victims' families.
Ms. Sassoon commended investigative efforts by USCG Investigative Service alongside Special Agents and NYPD Detectives working with her office's General Crimes Unit under Assistant U.S Attorney Jeffrey W Coyle who is overseeing this case's prosecution.
Anyone aware of illegal passenger charters is encouraged to report them through USCG's website link provided earlier within official announcements regarding this matter.