Young Female Navy Cadet Identified as the First Victim of the Brooklyn Bridge Ship Crash
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(778x606:780x608):format(webp)/The-Cuauhtemoc-crash-051925-5fee769babff4c63bccdb589a450174d.jpg)
América Yamilet Sánchez of Veracruz, Mexico, was reportedly 20 years old
By Toria Sheffield
A tall ship with sails is illuminated at night, near a large bridge
Mexican navy ship Cuauhtémoc after it slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025.
Credit : ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
América Yamilet Sánchez of Veracruz, Mexico, has been identified as one of the two fatal victims of the Brooklyn Bridge ship crash
The tragedy occurred when a Mexican Navy training vessel carrying 277 people collided with the New York City landmark at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 17
In addition to the two fatalities, 19 people were injured, with four facing serious injuries
One of the two fatal victims of the Brooklyn Bridge ship crash has been identified as a young Mexican Navy cadet from Veracruz, Mexico, according to a statement from Veracruz's governor.
“I deeply regret the passing of Veracruz cadet América Yamilet Sánchez,’’ Gov. Rocío Nahle García wrote on X on Sunday morning, May 18, hours after the May 17 tragedy. “My love, support and solidarity go out to her family."
“My gratitude to the Secretariat of the Navy and my wishes for a speedy recovery for those injured. Veracruz is with you,” García added.
Sánchez was 20, according to The New York Post.
A disabled Mexican Navy tall ship floats between the Brooklyn and the Manhattan bridges on the East River on May 17, 2025 in New York City. The ship reportedly struck the Brooklyn Bridge as it was traveling north.
Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtémoc after it slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025.
Stephanie Keith/Getty
The accident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time. An official with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) told The New York Times that there were 277 people onboard, and everyone is currently believed to be accounted for.
"Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge,” New York City mayor Eric Adams shared in an update on X on Saturday.
Related Stories
Ship That Hit Brooklyn Bridge Was on Journey to Mark Completion of Cadet Training
A view of the Mexican navy tall ship being tended by the authorities after it crashes into the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan, New York, USA on May 18, 2025.
Ship Crashing into Brooklyn Bridge 'Looked Like an Optical Illusion' (Exclusive)
A disabled Mexican Navy tall ship floats between the Brooklyn and the Manhattan bridges on the East River on May 17, 2025 in New York City. The ship reportedly struck the Brooklyn Bridge as it was traveling north.
"At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries," he added.
The Mexican Navy also shared a statement regarding the incident on social media, writing, "During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtémoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being.”
Mexican navy tall ship, making a festive visit to New York, crashes into the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan, New York, United States on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The ship, which has a crew of 277, collided with the bridge's road deck and left multiple crew members seriously injured, according to fire officials and sources.
Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtémoc after it slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025.
Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty
Video footage shared online shows the massive boat colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge, before sections of the top half of the ship broke apart. Another post features a photo that shows numerous people hanging from the ship's mast after the crash.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
The Cuauhtémoc arrived in the area earlier in the week, according to NBC New York. It was docked at Pier 17 of the South Street Seaport Museum and had been open for tours.
The ship, per the museum's website, was built at the Celaya Shipyards in Bilbao, Spain, in 1981. The vessel's name means "Descending Eagle."
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings