Authorities Reveal Cause of Brooklyn Bridge Ship Collision – Identities of Two Young Vic.ims Released
A Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025, killing two crew members and injuring 22 others. The vessel, which had departed from Pier 17 in New York City, lost steering control due to a mechanical failure and was swept into the bridge by strong currents. Emergency crews responded quickly, but a cadet and a sailor, later identified as América Yamilet Sánchez and Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, died from their injuries. The bridge sustained no major structural damage and has since reopened, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates the incident.
The Cuauhtémoc, a historic tall ship used for training and diplomatic missions, was on a goodwill tour when the accident occurred. The victims were honored posthumously in Mexico, and the injured are receiving medical care. The ship, now docked at Pier 36 in Manhattan, will undergo repairs at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Mexican and U.S. authorities are collaborating to determine the cause of the crash, which has raised questions about safety procedures. The tragedy has deeply affected the sailors’ families and the naval community, underscoring the risks of maritime training.
