Police arrested the captain and owners of an NYC party boat that threw an 'illegal party' with almost 200 guests

• An illegal boat party in New York City ended with the arrests of the ship's captain and owners Saturday evening, the New York Daily News reported.
• Over 100 passengers were on board the Liberty Belle for a "1920-themed party," the report said.
• The boat, which has four decks and a maximum capacity of 600 guests, was operating an "unlicensed bar" and violated "social distancing provisions," according to police.

Owners and the captain of an illegal New York City party boat were arrested for violating "social distancing provisions" and operating an "unlicensed bar," New York City Sheriff said early Sunday.

—NYC SHERIFF (@NYCSHERIFF) August 2, 2020

The party boat identified as "The Liberty Belle," is a popular venue that has four decks and a maximum capacity of 600 guests, according to Empire Cruises which operates the boat.

The New York Daily News reported that the boat returned to a pier in Manhattan Saturday evening after leaving earlier that evening with over 100 passengers on board for a "1920-themed party." Earlier that day, a photo of the boat was shared on social media.

—twobridgestower (@twobridgestower) August 2, 2020

Mayor Bill de Blasio has ordered New York City to cancel programming "at indoor venues with consistent seating capacity over 500" and requires establishments with a capacity of 500 ppl or less to operate "below 50% of their legal capacity to ensure maximum social distancing."

Empire Cruises stated on their official website that they have not operated until further notice since March. The company did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

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