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Mexican Navy sailors honored Saturday at Harborfest

Two wreaths float in the Elizabeth River, in honor of two sailors who died after an accident aboard their ship, the Cuauhtemoc, during a goodwill visit in New York last month.
Photo by Zach Roberts
Two wreaths were thrown into the Elizabeth River Saturday in honor of two sailors from the Mexican Navy ship, the Cuauhtémoc. The sailors died last month in an accident on the ship. The Cuauhtémoc was a frequent visitor to Norfolk.

Norfolk Harborfest and Sail250 Virginia officials held a special tribute to honor cadet América Yamilet Sánchez and sailor Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, who died last month when their ship, the Cuauhtémoc, struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. The ship was on a goodwill visit.

The ceremony included the traditional mariner's prayer, the ringing of bells, and the placement of wreaths in the water.

The Cuauhtémoc often visited Norfolk and has been invited to participate in next year’s Sail250 celebration.

"It was our opportunity to pay tribute to them, the traditional maritime tribute when a sailor loses their life in service,” said Karen Scherberger, executive chairman of Norfolk Festevents, which produces Harborfest.

"All their sailors, their officers, they’re good friends of Norfolk, so we just wanted to show our respect.”

Compiled by WHRO newsroom staff

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