The Mexican tall ship, Cuauhtémoc, which made headlines after colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge in May, is aiming to make a triumphant return to New York next year.
It’s slated to be one of 30 Class A international tall ships gracing the harbor to celebrate the U.S. birthday, assuming it can manage the repairs needed for its three ornate masts.
These masts were severely damaged in the tragic incident that claimed the lives of two young sailors and injured 19 others.
The Mexican Navy now has a year to restore the Cuauhtémoc to its former glory in time for what is anticipated to be the largest fleet to sail through the ports of New York and New Jersey.
“We see this as a kind of victory lap,” said Chris O’Brien, president of Sail4th 250, the organizer for next year’s event, in a statement.
“They’re working on the repairs, so we’re still looking forward to their participation,” he added.
When questioned about whether the Mexican Navy would confirm their return, O’Brien mentioned:
The Navy is actively repairing the damages. Most of the issues stem from the three masts that suffered when the ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, according to a spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The exact extent of the required repairs isn’t completely known, but costs to fix the 147-foot training vessel are expected to exceed $500,000.
The NTSB’s investigation into the collision is ongoing and might take a year or more, a spokesperson indicated.
A preliminary report released recently noted that the vessel inexplicably moved backward before the collision, which heightened its speed.
The reasons behind these “significant marine casualties,” including why the commands to stop the ship didn’t work, remain unanswered.
At the time of the incident, several cadets were situated on the masts, securing them. Tragically, two crew members fell onto the deck during the collision and later died in a local hospital.
If the repairs are completed on time, the ship will partake in a six-day celebration for America’s 250th birthday, scheduled for July 3rd to 8th next year.
This event will feature a fleet inclusive of 30 international tall ships and 40 military vessels, coincidentally highlighting the festivities on July 4th.
The international training vessels will ceremonially sail from under the Verrazzano Bridge, making landfall at Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.
While government officials will be part of the grand parade, the event planners haven’t disclosed the names of any distinguished guests yet.
