Mexico mourns Navy cadets killed in Brooklyn Bridge ship crash

In Mexico, there is a deep sense of sorrow as the nation mourns the tragic loss of two young Navy cadets who died in a devastating accident. This unfortunate event took place on Saturday when the training tall ship ARM Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The two cadets who lost their lives were América Sánchez, aged 20, and Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, who was 23 years old. They were part of a crew of 277 members aboard the Mexican Navy's sailing ship when the ship's three tall masts broke upon impact with the bridge. Reports from Mexican media indicate that América was one of the cadets who was positioned on top of the rigging at the time of the incident. In addition to the fatalities, 22 other crew members sustained injuries, with three of them reported to be in critical condition. The commander of the Mexican Navy, Admiral Pedro Raymundo Morales, stated that all crew members who were well enough to travel would be returned to their homeland shortly. The body of América Sánchez is scheduled to be transported to the Naval Academy in her home state of Veracruz later on Monday. Her mother, Rocío Hernández, described her daughter as 'an exemplary daughter' and a 'dedicated student' who aspired to become a naval engineer. Standing before a makeshift altar adorned with flowers and photographs of América, including one from her 'quinceañera' celebration, Ms. Hernández paid heartfelt tribute to her daughter. She expressed her pride in América, stating, 'She was a warrior, a soldier who didn't give up, who always fought for her goals. ' Ms. Hernández also mentioned that her daughter was just one year away from graduating. She expressed gratitude to all of América's relatives, friends, and teachers, asking them to remember her with affection. Meanwhile, in San Mateo del Mar, a coastal town in Oaxaca state, friends and family of Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos have also been gathering to pay their respects. They shared memories of the young cadet, who had always dreamed of following in his father's footsteps to become a sailor. Being aboard the Cuauhtémoc, known as the 'Knight of the Seas,' was his greatest aspiration. One friend remarked, 'The sea saw him being born and the sea was a witness to his passing,' adding that 'all of us who knew him will remember him as a role model of an intelligent youth. ' The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is ongoing. New York police officials have indicated that it appears the Cuauhtémoc lost power while departing New York Harbor and was subsequently carried towards the Brooklyn Bridge by the current. The ship's three masts, which measure over 48 meters, struck the base of the bridge, which, according to the New York transport department's website, has a clearance of only 41. 1 meters. All three masts collapsed, and video footage captured by bystanders shows some crew members dangling from the yards and sails during the incident. Mexican Navy Secretary Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles stated that the results of the investigation would be handled with 'total transparency and responsibility. ' The Cuauhtémoc had set sail from Acapulco, Mexico, on April 6, embarking on a journey that included stops in New York and Aberdeen, Scotland, for the city's Tall Ships race in July. The sight of the damaged ship with its broken masts in a New York City harbor has left many in shock.