When Mexican navy tall ship Buque Escuela Velero Cuauhtémoc crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City its masts partially snapped as the ship, which Mexican authorities said was performing a training exercise, sailed under the bridge.

Two of the 277 people on board the ship died from their injuries, while 19 sustained injuries, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a post on social media platform X on Sunday. He said two of the injured persons were in critical condition at the time of his X post.

One of the crew members who died was a cadet from the Mexican state of Veracruz named América Yamilet Sánchez, according to Veracruz Gov. Rocío Nahle, who expressed love, support and solidarity for her family on X.

“My gratitude to the (Mexican naval secretary) and my wishes for a speedy recovery for those injured. Veracruz is with you,” the governor wrote.

Adams said the ship lost power before it crashed into the bridge on Saturday night around 8:20, while the Mexican navy referred to the incident as an accident.

“During the sailing maneuver of the Velero Cuauhtémoc in New York, an accident was registered with the Brooklyn Bridge that caused damage to the Buque Escuela, preventing for the moment the continuation of the instructional cruise,” the Mexican naval secretary’s office said. “The status of personnel and equipment is under review by naval and local authorities, who are offering support.”

Adams said the city found no damage to the bridge in a preliminary inspection and opened the structure to the public.

“We are praying for everyone on board and their families and are grateful to our first responders who quickly jumped into action, ensuring this accident wasn’t much worse,” the mayor wrote.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash, according to the Associated Press The ship was moving under motor power in the opposite of its intended direction when the collision happened. A tugboat that had helped the ship get out of its berth could be seen trying to get ahead of the vessel as it headed toward the bridge but couldn’t overtake it.

New York City Fire Department Chief of Training Michael Meyers said during a public information briefing the agency had to “prepare for the worst” while responding to the crash since the number of people who were injured was unknown.

“The police, fire and EMS did a tremendous job of working together to get everyone off of that ship safe and sound,” he said.

The Mexican navy was working with New York City authorities to treat the wounded, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum posted on X. The Mexican ambassador to the U.S., as well as staff from the Consulate General of Mexico in New York City, were supporting the country’s navy, Sheinbaum said.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in New York Harbor. Our sympathy and support go out to their families,” Sheinbaum wrote. “I thank New York Mayor Eric Adams for all the support he has provided to our fellow citizens.

“We are monitoring the situation, and the Navy will continue to provide updates.”

Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.