Two victims tragically lost their lives when the Mexican navy ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. Reports from the NYPD indicate that one cadet, who has been identified as América Yamilet Sánchez from Xalapa, fell after unfastening her harness while descending on Saturday night.
On Sunday, Veracruz Governor Rocio Nare Garcia publicly shared her condolences, expressing her sorrow over the loss of Sánchez. “I extend my love and support to her family,” she stated. “I also wish for a swift recovery for those injured. Veracruz stands with you.”
Sánchez’s death was confirmed after the ship crashed into the bridge around 8:20 PM. The other victim, Adal Jair Marcos, was also noted as being in his twenties, according to police sources.
Investigators revealed that both cadets were suspended hundreds of feet in the air as the ship approached the bridge when they attempted to unlock their harnesses. Unfortunately, as Sánchez fell, she landed on the ship’s deck.
The families of the victims expressed their grief and are seeking answers regarding the circumstances that led to the collision.
Multiple eyewitnesses captured the scene on video, depicting the ship adorned with a significant Mexican flag. Despite the dramatic event, no injuries were reported among individuals on the bridge itself.
As the incident unfolded, several calls for accountability arose. Senator Charles Schumer highlighted potential issues with water traffic control and mentioned the impacts of employment freezes within the U.S. Coast Guard on vessel traffic services. The Department of Homeland Security responded, rejecting claims that such a freeze contributed to the incident.
In a video statement, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum labeled the event as an accident and cautioned against politicizing it. Similarly, Kazu Daughtry, New York City’s deputy mayor for Public Safety, reiterated the characterization of the incident as accidental.
Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing, with federal authorities collaborating with Mexican officials to determine the cause. This naval vessel, the Cuauhtémoc, is around 297 feet long and has been used for training cadets since its launch in 1982. It began its current journey from Acapulco in early April, visiting various ports.
Opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge sees over 100,000 vehicles and approximately 32,000 pedestrians each day, making it an iconic landmark and tourist destination.
After the collision, traffic was temporarily halted but was resumed after inspections cleared the route. Eventually, the damaged ship was helped by tugs down the East River and docked at the pier.
