Collision of Mexican Navy Ship with Brooklyn Bridge
On Saturday night, a Mexican Navy vessel was caught on video as it approached the Brooklyn Bridge. Tragically, two sailors lost their lives, and nearly 20 others suffered injuries when the Cuauhtémoc collided with the bridge around 8:30 PM. Thankfully, everyone aboard the ship remained on board, with no one falling into the East River.
According to NYPD officials, there were no instances of individuals entering the water. The Cuauhtémoc had just departed and was heading toward Iceland at the time of the incident, as confirmed by a ship supervisor.
Footage from the Brooklyn side captured the moment when three tall masts of the naval training ship, which stands at 150 feet, snapped upon impact. While initial investigations hint that potential mechanical issues might have contributed to the ship’s loss of control, the precise cause remains under scrutiny.
The videos taken show sailors precariously hanging from rigging, but none fell into the water, which was a relief. One witness recalled seeing someone dangling from the harness for around 15 minutes, unsure of what to think at first. Another observer, Nick Corso, described the incident as startling, noting that it sounded like a loud crack, similar to snapping a twig.
With a sense of disbelief, Corso commented, “Is this a movie?” as chaos unfolded around him, while onlookers started to scatter.
Fortunately, the bridge itself did not suffer significant damage from the collision. In response to the event, Mayor Adams expressed his concern for those involved and praised the first responders for their swift action, assuring the public that the situation, while tragic, could have been worse.
The incident prompted condolences from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who expressed deep sorrow for the loss of the two crew members. She extended her sympathies to their families amidst the somber news.
The Cuauhtémoc, built in Bilbao, Spain, in 1981, has a rich history, having won the Tall Ships race twice. It was in New York City as part of promotional activities for an upcoming event marking America’s 250th birthday.
