Brooklyn Bridge ship crash: Mexican vessel lost steering power, killing two and injuring dozens

A Mexican Navy tall ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, killing two young crew members and injuring at least 17 others in the tragic accident that has now been attributed to mechanical failure and strong East River currents.

The two Mexican navy mariners were up on the masts of the 147-foot training vessel Cuauhtémoc, a showpiece of the Mexican Navy, which reportedly lost steering capacity due to an alleged mechanical malfunction as it approached the Brooklyn waterfront to refuel.

America Yamilet Sanchez, 20, and Adal Jair Marcos have been identified as the two naval cadets killed in the tragic crash.

The New York Post identified the second sailor, Adal Jair Marcos, who had been on the ship for nine months, visiting countries across the Pacific, including New Zealand and Australia.

“Two months ago, you gave me a shirt from the barque team you loved the most, and now you’re no longer with us,” a grieving friend wrote online.

“God bless you up there, and I hope I see you again and share lockers with you again.”

Another friend wrote that Marcos was “more than a friend. A brother.”

The ship had been on a training cruise to mark the 200th anniversary of the Mexican Navy expelling the last of the Spanish strongholds from Mexico.

Though the ship had sufficient fuel, it was unable to maintain control and was swept into the bridge by the river’s powerful currents, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Dramatic video captured the moment the vessel struck the bridge, with terrified crew members seen clinging to the rigging as the masts collapsed on impact.

Authorities confirmed the two fatalities were among the crew members positioned in the rigging when the ship hit the bridge.

Others were injured by falling debris or during the impact.

Former US Coast Guard Lieutenant Henry Lipian said that while dropping anchor can sometimes help slow a vessel in such emergencies, it offers no guarantee of stopping a ship in fast-moving currents.

“If you lose your engine for whatever reason, you’re at the mercy of the elements,” Lipian said.

“You only have a short distance and a relatively short period of time to react.”

He described the situation as a “worst-case scenario,” particularly given that many of the 277 people aboard were naval cadets and trainees.

McLaren added he was stunned by the incident, noting that the Mexican Navy has a strong reputation internationally.

“I’ve never ever heard any criticism of the Mexican Navy. I’m dumbfounded. It’s just horrible.”

The Cuauhtémoc is widely regarded as a prestigious training vessel and had recently been in New York ahead of a potential appearance in the international parade of ships for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Representatives said the ship was expected to take part in the event, although its participation had not yet been confirmed.

The US Coast Guard and local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.