Two crew members aboard a Mexican Navy sailing ship died on Saturday night when the vessel drifted into the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge, damaging its masts and rigging. The ship, ARM Cuauhtémoc, was on a goodwill tour with 277 people on board, including 175 naval cadets, and had recently stopped in New York.
At least 22 other crew members were injured in the incident, which was widely shared on social media. The deceased were identified as cadet América Yamileth Sánchez Hernández, 20, and sailor Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, 23.
Rodolfo Hernández, the uncle of Ms. Sánchez Hernández, reported that she had sent photos from Central Park the day before the accident. He expressed the family's devastation upon learning of her death.
The cause of the ship's deviation from its course remains unclear. A maritime expert suggested that the Cuauhtémoc's propellers may have been running in reverse. Senator Charles Schumer of New York noted that the ship did not receive assistance from a tugboat prior to the crash, and that the tugboat seen in videos was responding after the incident.
On Monday, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico announced that investigations by the Mexican Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the National Transportation Safety Board would examine potential mechanical issues, the role of tugboats, and human error.
The Cuauhtémoc has served as a training ship for Mexican Navy cadets since its acquisition by the government in 1982. Cadets embark on extensive voyages to learn teamwork, weather navigation, ship maintenance, and practical seafaring skills. These trips, averaging 234 days, prioritize traditional sailing methods and often include stops for resupply and cultural engagement.
The ship set sail on April 6 from Acapulco, Mexico, on a tour aimed at promoting naval education and conveying a message of peace. This tour commemorated the 200th anniversary of a significant event in Mexican history, with New York being one of 22 ports in 15 countries included in the itinerary. The ship was en route to Reykjavik, Iceland, at the time of the incident.
Videos of the crash showed cadets standing on the ship's yards, performing a traditional farewell gesture. The Mexican Navy stated that this practice has been a ritual for 43 years, although the ship veered off course during the maneuver.
The Mexican Navy confirmed that cadets receive extensive training before their voyages, with responsibilities limited to studying and practicing seamanship under the direction of officers.
As of Monday morning, the Cuauhtémoc remained docked at Pier 36 on the East River in Manhattan for repairs. The Mexican Navy indicated that the ship would undergo a technical inspection, and uninjured cadets would continue their academic semester soon. Early reports confirmed that 172 cadets, a captain, and six crew members had returned to Mexico, while two cadets remained in stable condition receiving medical care in New York City.