Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Resulting in Two Deaths and Multiple Injuries

Tragic Collision Between Mexican Navy Ship and Brooklyn Bridge Results in Fatalities

In a tragic incident that unfolded on Saturday evening, a Mexican navy training vessel collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to at least 19 others. The accident occurred shortly before 8:30 PM ET, as the Cuauhtémoc, a tall ship operated by the Mexican navy, was navigating the East River.

According to New York City officials, around 277 people were on board the Cuauhtémoc at the time of the collision. Mayor Eric Adams confirmed during a late-night press conference that out of the injured, four sustained serious injuries, and subsequently, it was announced that two people had died. Fortunately, no passengers fell into the water as a result of the impact.

Investigation Underway

In response to the incident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it would deploy a go-team to investigate the circumstances surrounding the ship’s collision with the bridge. NYPD Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles reported that all injuries occurred within the ship and emphasized that it was in the process of disembarking for Iceland at the time.

Initial investigations by the New York City Department of Transportation have reported no evident structural damage to the Brooklyn Bridge itself, which has been a critical span since its opening in 1883.

The Incident Unfolds

Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with one bystander, Torrey Leonard, recalling a loud crunch followed by screams from the crowd. “Our hearts were skipping a beat because it was just horrible how it sounded,” Leonard recounted. Videos shared on social media depicted the Cuauhtémoc drifting backward before its masts struck the bridge, resulting in significant destruction.

Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, the Mexican ambassador to the United States, confirmed that the Cuauhtémoc had been in operation for two decades and had recently arrived in New York City on May 13 after sailing from Cozumel, Mexico. The ambassador expressed condolences on behalf of the Mexican government for the lives lost and the injuries sustained.

Safety Measures and Community Response

In the aftermath, police urged the public to steer clear of the area around the Brooklyn Bridge, including popular destinations like the South Street Seaport and DUMBO in Brooklyn. The bridge was initially closed to traffic but has since reopened as authorities continue their investigations.

Timeline of Events

The incident has raised significant concerns regarding maritime safety and navigation protocols, especially in busy urban waterways. As investigations proceed, the community mourns those who lost their lives while also grappling with the shocking circumstances of the event.