First Victim Identified in Tragic Brooklyn Bridge Ship Collision

Yahoo

19-05-2025

Two people died on Saturday night when a ship made contact with the Brooklyn Bridge. Horrified onlookers watched as the ship barrelled into the bridge, its masts cracking and folding as its momentum continued.
One of the victims has been identified as América Yamilet Sánchez. Sánchez was 20 years old and she was a cadet in the Mexican Navy. She was also known for her swimming skills.
'I deeply regret the passing of Veracruz cadet América Yamilet Sánchez,'' said Rocío Nahle García - the governor of Veracruz, the state where she was from.
'My gratitude to the Secretariat of the Navy and my wishes for a speedy recovery for those injured. Veracruz is with you."
Reports say that Sánchez was on the rigging of the ship when it crashed into the bridge, along with several other cadets.
The accident reminded some of the tragic ship and bridge collapse near Baltimore last year, an accident that resulted in the loss of six lives after a container ship hit the Francis Scott Key bridge.
Sanchez reportedly arrived in the United States last week with other Mexican Naval cadets.
Saturday night's voyage was a practice trip for what was meant to be the 'Bicentennial of the Consolidation of the Independence of the Seas," the 200th anniversary of Mexico's victory over Spain.
There were 277 crew members were on board for Saturday's expedition, which was meant to be part of a 170-day journey to 22 ports across 15 different countries. The voyage began in earnest in early May.
Most of the crew members were young men and women from Heroica Escuela Naval Militar, an officer training academy for the Mexican navy located in Antón Lizardo, Veracruz.
The ship reportedly lost power and was unable to reorient, leading to the unavoidable crash with the bridge. Over 20 crew members have reported injuries after the crash.
Authorities associated with the Mexican navy have pledged to return Sánchez's body to her loved ones as soon as possible.
Rest in peace to América Yamilet Sánchez. We send our sincere condolences to her friends, family and loved ones during this difficult time.