Mexican Navy Vessel Crashes into Brooklyn Bridge, Leaving Two Dead
Power Failure Leads to Deadly Accident During Goodwill Visit
A tragic accident unfolded Saturday evening when a tall Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge, leaving two people dead and 19 others injured. The incident occurred during the vessel’s goodwill visit to the United States and has since sparked international attention and concern.
According to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the Cuauhtémoc lost power just before the crash. The ship was carrying 277 people, including cadets and naval personnel, as part of its global training tour.
Ship’s Masts Collide with Brooklyn Bridge Structure
Video footage shows the ship’s towering masts striking the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge as it attempted to pass beneath the iconic structure. The impact caused all three masts to snap and collapse onto the ship’s deck, with several crew members reportedly stationed on the masts at the time of the collision.
Officials confirmed that all individuals aboard were accounted for and no one fell into the water, despite the dramatic scene. The United States Coast Guard noted that the Cuauhtémoc had lost all three of its masts as a result of the crash.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos and Panic
Eyewitness reports painted a picture of panic and confusion in the moments following the collision. Nick Corso, a Brooklyn resident near the site, told AFP that there was “lots of screaming” and “sailors hanging from the masts.” Another witness, Kelvin Flores, described seeing fire engines and ambulances struggling to reach the scene due to heavy traffic.
“There was a lot of chaos,” Flores told the BBC. “People were carrying stretchers. They were trying to get the injured out quickly.”
Brooklyn Bridge Remains Structurally Sound
Despite the ship’s masts striking the bridge, Brooklyn Bridge did not sustain major damage. After a thorough preliminary inspection, the bridge was reopened to traffic, alleviating fears about long-term closures or structural compromise.
However, police urged residents and commuters to avoid the area near the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, and DUMBO, citing ongoing emergency operations and significant traffic disruptions.
Cuauhtémoc’s History and Mission
The Cuauhtémoc, a training ship of the Mexican Navy, was launched in 1982 and measures 297 feet (91 meters) long and 40 feet (12 meters) wide. It serves as a mobile training ground for naval cadets and embarks on voyages at the end of each academic term.
This year’s journey began in Acapulco on April 6, with the final destination planned to be Iceland. The mission, intended as a goodwill and training expedition, took a tragic turn as the vessel was later towed from the scene.
Mechanical Failure Suspected in Brooklyn Bridge Crash
Authorities have attributed the incident to a mechanical failure and power outage aboard the ship. While investigations are ongoing, the New York Police Department emphasized that no criminal activity is suspected at this time.
