A tragic accident in New York claimed the lives of two Mexican Navy cadets, América Sánchez and Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, sparking nationwide mourning and an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
Heartbreak in Mexico Following Tragic Loss of Navy Cadets in Bridge Accident
Heartbreak in Mexico Following Tragic Loss of Navy Cadets in Bridge Accident
The nation grieves as two young Navy cadets lose their lives in a maritime accident involving the training ship ARM Cuauhtémoc.
Mexico is in mourning following the untimely loss of two young Navy cadets in a tragic accident involving the training tall ship ARM Cuauhtémoc and Brooklyn Bridge. The incident occurred on Saturday when the vessel, carrying 277 crew members, collided with the bridge, resulting in two fatalities, identified as 20-year-old América Sánchez and 23-year-old Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos.
Reports indicate that Sánchez was atop the rigging when the ship's three masts crashed into the bridge after it appeared to have lost power while departing New York Harbor. The collision caused all three masts to collapse, and 22 other crew members sustained injuries, with three in critical condition, according to the Mexican Navy.
Admiral Pedro Raymundo Morales, commander of the Mexican Navy, announced that all crew members healthy enough to travel would soon return to Mexico. As the nation begins to heal, plans are being made for the return of Sánchez's body to her hometown of Xalapa, Veracruz. Her mother, Rocío Hernández, remembered her daughter as an exemplary student and aspirant to become a naval engineer, expressing deep grief at a makeshift altar decorated with flowers and photos of her daughter.
Similarly, friends and family in Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos's hometown of San Mateo del Mar are paying tribute to the young cadet, who had dreams of following in his father's seafaring footsteps. Friends described Maldonado Marcos as a role model who embodied intelligence and dedication.
While the details surrounding the accident remain under investigation by U.S. officials, initial reports suggest that the ship was being carried towards the bridge by strong waters due to mechanical failure. The Navy has committed to providing full transparency and accountability regarding the investigation's findings.
The ARM Cuauhtémoc, known as the "Knight of the Seas," had set sail from Acapulco on April 6, with plans for a tour that included stops in New York and participation in the Tall Ships race in Scotland. The community's sorrow is palpable as the families of the departed cadets encourage others to remember their loved ones with fondness.
