Mexico is in mourning following the tragic deaths of two young Navy cadets, América Sánchez, 20, and Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, 23, who lost their lives on Saturday when the Mexican Navy's tall ship ARM Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.

The incident occurred as the ship, carrying 277 crew members, attempted to leave New York Harbor. According to New York police, the Cuauhtémoc lost power and was swept by the current toward the bridge. The vessel's three towering masts, each standing over 48 meters tall, struck the bridge's lower structure, which has a clearance of only 41.1 meters. All three masts collapsed, causing chaos on deck and sending some crew members—who had been stationed high up on the rigging—plummeting.

América Sánchez, who was reportedly positioned atop one of the masts during the collision, was among those killed. Her body is being transported to the Naval Academy in Veracruz, her home state, where a private ceremony will be held in her honor.

"She was an exemplary daughter, a dedicated student, and a warrior who never gave up on her dreams," her mother, Rocío Hernández, told reporters, speaking beside an altar decorated with flowers and photos from América’s 15th birthday celebration. Hernández shared that her daughter had been on track to graduate next year as a naval engineer.

Meanwhile, in San Mateo del Mar in Oaxaca, the family and friends of Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos are also grieving. The 23-year-old cadet had long aspired to become a sailor, following in the footsteps of his father. “Being on the Cuauhtémoc was his greatest dream,” said one of his friends. “The sea witnessed both his birth and his passing.”

In addition to the two fatalities, 22 other crew members were injured—three critically. Mexican Navy Commander Admiral Pedro Raymundo Morales confirmed that those able to travel would soon be returned home.

The ARM Cuauhtémoc, affectionately known as the "Knight of the Seas," had departed from Acapulco on April 6 for a training tour that included stops in New York and a future visit to Aberdeen, Scotland, for the Tall Ships Race in July.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Navy Secretary Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles assured that findings will be shared with "total transparency and responsibility." Footage from the scene showed the chaotic aftermath, with some crew members hanging from rigging and sails as the ship’s masts came down.

This tragedy has deeply affected communities across Mexico, where the two cadets are being remembered not only for their service, but for the dreams and dedication they carried with them to sea.