Richard Cruz, the owner and captain of the ill-fated vessel Stimulus Money, has pleaded guilty to charges of misconduct and neglect resulting in the deaths of two passengers on the Hudson River.
The incident, which occurred on July 12, 2022, claimed the lives of a seven-year-old boy and a 48-year-old woman, casting a shadow over what should have been a pleasant river excursion.
The investigation revealed a series of egregious safety violations that directly contributed to the tragedy. Cruz had been operating the Stimulus Money without the required United States Coast Guard (USCG) credentials and certifications, essentially running an illegal tour operation for paying customers. On the day of the incident, he recklessly exceeded the vessel’s maximum capacity, carrying 13 passengers despite hazardous weather conditions that had prompted advisories for small watercraft.
Cruz had purchased the Stimulus Money approximately three months before the capsizing.
“Richard Cruz admitted today that his misconduct and negligent actions caused the tragic deaths of a young boy and a woman when Cruz’s vessel capsized in the Hudson River,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. “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.”
The consequences of Cruz’s negligence were fatal. When the Stimulus Money capsized at approximately 2:40 p.m., all 13 individuals on board were thrown into the turbulent waters of the Hudson. While emergency responders from the NYPD Harbor Unit, FDNY Dive Rescue Team, and nearby ferries managed to rescue most passengers, the young boy and woman were tragically found unconscious, trapped beneath the overturned vessel.
Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene, with drowning confirmed as the cause of death.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the critical importance of maritime safety regulations and the devastating consequences that can result from their neglect.
Richard Cruz is scheduled to face sentencing on January 25, 2025, before United States District Judge Katherine Polk Failla.
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