A devastating incident occurred on Saturday evening when a Mexican Navy training ship, Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuring 19 others. The ship, which had been docked at Pier 17 in Manhattan since Tuesday, was departing New York when the accident happened.
Details of the Incident
- Ship Details: The Cuauhtémoc is a tall ship built in 1982 with a mast height of 48.2 meters (158 feet). It was sailing to Iceland when the incident occurred.
- Cause of the Collision: The ship reportedly lost power while maneuvering, forcing it to head towards the bridge abutment on the Brooklyn side.
- Injuries and Fatalities: Two crew members died, and 19 others were injured, with four in critical condition. The Mexican Navy initially reported 22 injuries, with half of them critical.
- Bridge Damage: Fortunately, inspections revealed no signs of structural damage to the Brooklyn Bridge, which was closed for approximately 40 minutes before reopening.
Reactions and Response
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams: “At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries.”
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum: Expressed deep sadness over the deaths of the two crew members.
- Emergency Response: The New York Police Department and emergency services responded quickly, and victims were taken to hospitals for treatment .
Investigation and Aftermath
- Investigation: Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, with the New York Police Department advising residents to avoid the area due to heavy traffic and a large presence of emergency vehicles.
- Ship’s Future: The Cuauhtémoc was damaged in the collision and was later moved to near the Manhattan Bridge. The Mexican Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to safety, transparency, and excellence in training ³.
