14 PEOPLE. ONE OVERCROWDED BOAT. THEN A MOTHER AND HER BABY NEVER CAME HOME

A birthday boat trip in New York Harbor ended in tragedy when a vessel carrying 14 people capsized near Liberty Island, killing a 27-year-old mother and her 5-month-old daughter.

Now, the man accused of operating that boat is facing not only federal criminal charges — but also deportation.

His name is Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, 46.

THE BOAT WAS CARRYING TOO MANY PEOPLE

According to federal prosecutors, Hernandez was operating the vessel on August 8 when it overturned in New York Harbor.

The boat reportedly had a maximum capacity of 10 people.

There were 14 passengers and the operator aboard.

When the vessel capsized, everyone was thrown into the water.

Most survived.

But Sara Sanchez, 27, and her infant daughter, Antonella Garcia, 5 months old, were pulled from the water and later pronounced dead at a Brooklyn hospital.

PROSECUTORS ALLEGE THE BOAT WAS BEING USED ILLEGALLY

Federal authorities say Hernandez was operating the vessel for paying customers despite allegedly lacking the required Merchant Mariner Credential and a valid Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection.

Investigators also allege there were no infant- or child-sized flotation devices available aboard the vessel.

The Coast Guard investigation is continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the capsizing.

THEN ANOTHER BOMBSHELL

Hernandez was initially charged with two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death.

But after the Coast Guard investigation, federal immigration authorities determined that he was allegedly unlawfully present in the United States.

DHS says Hernandez entered the country through Texas in 2007 and allegedly falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen.

ICE subsequently took him into immigration custody.

Authorities now say they intend to remove him from the United States after the criminal proceedings are completed.

TWO LIVES LOST ON A NIGHT THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A CELEBRATION

What began as a birthday cruise became a nightmare.

A mother.

A five-month-old baby.

Eleven other passengers who survived.

And a boat that prosecutors say should never have been carrying so many people in the first place.

Now investigators are working to determine exactly what caused the vessel to capsize — and whether additional charges could follow.

For Sara Sanchez’s family, however, the investigation can never change what happened:

A mother and her baby went out on the water together.

Only one came back.

And now the man accused of operating the boat is fighting a criminal case while also facing possible removal from the country.

Manuel Hernandez has been charged but not convicted. The allegations remain subject to the federal court process.