The Cuauhtémoc, a tall ship from the Mexican Navy, departed from Manhattan on Saturday afternoon, following a touching farewell ceremony that drew a sizable crowd to the Brooklyn Bridge, which holds a notorious reputation on the Hudson River.
At 2:45 PM, cadets took their positions on deck while military bands played both the Mexican national anthem and that of the Navy. By 3:20 PM, the gangway was removed, setting the crew on its 35-day journey south.
“We take immense pride in Cuauhtémoc, which has been navigating the world’s oceans since its inception in 1986,” remarked Marcos Augustus Bucio Mujica, the Mexican Consul General in New York.
He also expressed gratitude toward Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, and the first responders involved in a tragic incident that occurred recently, remembering the two cadets who lost their lives that night.
Captain Victor Hugo Molina Perez and Admiral Francisco Guillermoe Casares also paid tribute to the fallen sailors, extending their condolences to their families.
The gathering included Carmen Ortiz, 65, a retired educator from Puebla, who reflected on the poignant experience. “It was a traumatic night for them,” she shared.
As the ship prepared for departure, audience members waved Mexican flags, and local dancers showcased traditional costumes on the pier.
“We send them off with love and best wishes,” Damaris Fuerta, 49, from Jalisco, added.
Perhaps one of the most emotional moments came from Marlene Castro, 68, a school aide. “I’m still… it’s frightening for me,” she admitted, recalling the night of the collision. “I was there when it happened; it was intense.”
This incident on May 17 claimed the lives of two sailors and injured 19, as the Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot training bark, unexpectedly reversed into the Brooklyn Bridge.
Authorities noted that the vessel accelerated backward despite orders from the pilot to move forward. The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating the mishap, which could take over a year to resolve.
Cuauhtémoc had spent four months at a dry dock in Staten Island before it was moved to the pier last month, following a successful sea trial in September.
Chris O’Brien, President of Sail 4th 250—an organization planning maritime celebrations for America’s 250th birthday next year—viewed the ship’s departure as a sign of renewal. “We’re excited for Cuauhtémoc and the Mexican Navy to participate in this grand event,” he noted.
The tall ship is often referred to as “the jewel of their country,” a sentiment echoed by David Winters, executive vice president of the Intrepid Museum. He expressed pride in hosting the ship, calling it a noble ambassador for Mexico.
The Mexican Navy band performed one last song as Cuauhtémoc slowly left the pier, eliciting cheers from the crowd. The ship’s sails caught the wind, and its newly restored mast gleamed under the afternoon sun as it rose once again above the Hudson River.
