The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the US Coast Guard continue to investigate the accident that occurred on Saturday when the Mexican Navy training ship, ARM Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a mechanical failure caused the loss of control of the vessel during a departure maneuver, which, combined with strong currents and winds in the East River, resulted in the impact.
According to sources close to the investigation, the Cuauhtémoc experienced a loss of power in its steering systems as it moved away from pier 17 at the South Street Seaport.
Despite having the assistance of a local pilot, the boat was dragged by the currents towards the bridge, colliding with the structure and causing the mast to break.
The accident resulted in the death of two crew members: 20-year-old cadet América Yamilet Sánchez and 22-year-old sailor Adal Jair Marcos. In addition, at least 19 people were injured, some of them seriously.
The Cuauhtémoc, with a crew of 277 people, had arrived in New York on May 13 as part of an international goodwill tour. After the accident, the ship was towed to Pier 35 in Manhattan, where it remains while the relevant investigations are carried out.
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and thanked the emergency services of New York for their prompt response. The Mexican Navy has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and provide support to those affected.