Tragic Collision: Mexican Tall Ship Crashes into Brooklyn Bridge, Resulting in Fatalities and Damaged Masts

A Mexican navy ship, the Cuauhtemoc, made headlines after colliding with New York’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge during a goodwill tour.

On Saturday night, as the vessel sailed through the East River, its tall masts struck the bridge, snapping them one by one. Eyewitnesses captured the shocking scene on video. Many recall seeing people dangling from the damaged mast in a state of panic. Among the 277 crew members, two tragically lost their lives, and several others sustained serious injuries.

Mayor Eric Adams assured the public that the Brooklyn Bridge itself sustained minimal harm and no pedestrians were hurt. However, reports indicate that the ship needed immediate assistance after the accident, and numerous sailors required medical treatment.

Initial investigations suggest that the Cuauhtemoc may have lost power just before the collision. Some sources speculate that a mechanical issue could have caused the vessel to veer off course. The ship had recently set sail from a Manhattan pier, destined for the open sea, not the bridge. As it drifted, a nearby tugboat appeared to be assisting.

This isn’t the first time the Brooklyn Bridge has faced challenges. Since its opening in 1883, the bridge has witnessed various incidents and accidents due to its heavy traffic of over 100,000 vehicles daily. Interestingly, more than 32,000 pedestrians cross it each day, making it a popular tourist spot.

Internationally, the Cuauhtemoc has a rich history as a training vessel for navy cadets. It embarked on its current journey on April 6, setting out from Acapulco, Mexico. The ship’s 254-day voyage is set to visit 22 ports across 15 nations.

Reacting to the incident, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families affected. As the investigation continues, both officials and spectators remain concerned about maritime safety, especially in busy waterways like New York’s.

In an era where travel and tourism play vital roles, incidents like this bring to light the importance of maintaining safety standards. As cities evolve with more vehicles and vessels, experts in safety and transport stress the need for strict regulations and modern technology to prevent such accidents in the future.

For updates and further information, visit the Associated Press.

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Eric Adams, New York City, General news, Boat and ship accidents, New York City Wire, NY State Wire, Lily Katz, Manhattan, Wilson Aramboles, U.S. news, New York, X Corp., Nick Corso, Claudia Sheinbaum, Sailing