In a heartfelt tribute, the lives of two young cadets from the Mexican Navy, lost tragically during a training cruise, are celebrated as their homeland mourns.
Tragedy Strikes as Mexican Navy Cadets Lose Lives in Brooklyn Bridge Accident
Tragedy Strikes as Mexican Navy Cadets Lose Lives in Brooklyn Bridge Accident
Mexican citizens honor two Navy cadets who died during a tragic ship crash in New York waters.
Mexico is in mourning following the heartbreaking loss of two young Navy cadets, América Sánchez and Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, who died during a devastating incident involving the training ship ARM Cuauhtémoc, which crashed into Brooklyn Bridge. The accident occurred on Saturday as the tall ship was departing New York City.
América Sánchez, just 20 years old, was reported to be one of the cadets stationed atop the masts when the disaster struck. The ship's three masts, measuring over 48 meters high, collided with the bridge, leading to their collapse and the tragic fatalities. The Mexican Navy confirmed that of the 277 crew members aboard, 22 others were injured, with three of those in critical condition.
Admiral Pedro Raymundo Morales, commander of the Mexican Navy, announced that those fit to travel would be repatriated to Mexico. The body of América Sánchez is scheduled to be returned to her home state of Veracruz on Monday, where a private ceremony will take place in her honor at the Naval Academy.
Her mother, Rocío Hernández, reflected on her daughter's determination and dreams of becoming a naval engineer, describing her as a soldier who fought for her goals. Amid emotional tributes, photos of América at her "quinceañera," a traditional celebration of a young woman’s 15th birthday, adorned makeshift altars as her community grieved.
Mourning also enveloped San Mateo del Mar, Oaxaca, where friends and family delivered heartfelt memories of Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, 23, who aspired to follow in his father's naval footsteps. His friends depicted him as a gifted and ambitious young man, saying, "The sea saw him being born and was a witness to his passing".
Meanwhile, investigations into the circumstances surrounding the ship's crash are ongoing. Authorities suspect the Cuauhtémoc lost power while leaving the harbor, causing it to drift into the bridge's structure, which only allows for a clearance of 41.1 meters. Video footage captured by bystanders showed the chaos as crew members dangled perilously from the collapsing masts.
Mexican Navy Secretary Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles promised full transparency during the investigation, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the wake of this tragic accident. The Cuauhtémoc, having embarked on its tour from Acapulco on April 6, was on a voyage that included stops in New York and Aberdeen, Scotland for the Tall Ships race in July.
