Mexican Navy ship crash at Brooklyn Bridge kills 2 sailors, crew seen hanging from rigging
The Mexican Navy tall ship, Cuauhtémoc, made headlines over the weekend after a tragic collision with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The incident, which occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday night, resulted in the deaths of two sailors and injuries to nearly 20 others. Fortunately, all those injured were on board the ship and none fell into the water.
Video footage of the crash shows crew members clinging to the rigging of the ship as its three masts snapped upon impact with the bridge. Initial reports suggest that a mechanical issue may have caused the ship to veer off course, leading to the collision. However, further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as sailors hung from the damaged masts, with some dangling from harnesses for an extended period before being rescued. The sound of the collision was likened to a “big twig snapping,” prompting panic among those on board and nearby spectators.
Despite the dramatic collision, the Brooklyn Bridge itself did not sustain any damage. First responders quickly sprang into action to assist the injured crew members, preventing a potentially much worse outcome.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed solidarity and support for the families of the deceased sailors, offering condolences for their loss. The Cuauhtémoc, a training ship built in Bilbao, Spain, in 1981, has a storied history and has participated in prestigious sailing events such as the Tall Ships’ Races.
The ship was in New York City as part of a promotional tour for an upcoming event celebrating America’s 250th birthday. The tragic accident serves as a reminder of the dangers inherent in maritime operations, highlighting the importance of safety protocols and thorough investigations in preventing future incidents.
As authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the collision, our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the entire crew of the Cuauhtémoc during this difficult time.
