Tragic Collision Involving Mexican Navy Ship in NYC

News Summary

A Mexican Navy training ship, Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuring 19 others, two of whom are in critical condition. Investigations reveal a power loss may have led to the accident. The ship had been docked at South Street Seaport for five days as part of a goodwill tour and was scheduled to visit Iceland next. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident while local authorities confirmed no one fell into the water during the collision.

New York City – A tragic incident occurred on Saturday night when the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge at around 8:20 p.m. local time, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuring 19 others. Among the injured, two individuals remain in critical condition.

The Cuauhtémoc, which had been docked at the South Street Seaport Museum in New York City for five days as part of a goodwill tour, was carrying 277 people onboard at the time of the collision. Eyewitness videos captured the ship’s masts striking the bridge, leading to the fatal injuries of the crew members who fell from the masts during the impact.

Initial investigations suggest that the ship experienced a loss of power while maneuvering, causing it to veer towards the bridge. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Photos from the scene confirmed the ship’s masts had broken upon impact, while local authorities confirmed that no crew members fell into the water. Traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge was halted for approximately 40 minutes to allow emergency responders to assist the injured.

Preliminary inspections of the Brooklyn Bridge indicated it had no visible damage and remained structurally intact following the collision. The Cuauhtémoc, which measures approximately 160 feet in height, is equipped to sail beneath the bridge’s navigational clearance of 127 feet, suggesting mechanical issues may have played a significant role in the incident.

The ship, built in Spain and used by the Mexican Navy for cadet training, is part of a global tour that includes stops in 15 nations over a period of 254 days. It was scheduled to proceed to Iceland after its visit to New York City. The Cuauhtémoc aims to promote Mexico’s naval training capabilities and enhance its diplomatic presence worldwide.

Following the accident, the ship has been relocated to Pier 36 on the Lower East Side for further assessment and security. Local authorities and first responders have been recognized for their prompt actions in handling the scene, providing necessary medical assistance to those injured in the incident. The accident also led to a brief suspension of commercial ship traffic in the vicinity as a precautionary measure.

The Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the crew members, extending condolences to their families. This incident marks a significant tragedy for the crew and the Mexican Navy, highlighting the inherent risks associated with maritime training and activities.

As the investigation continues, attention will be focused on determining the exact cause of the power loss and the events leading up to the collision. The NTSB’s findings are expected to provide clarity and recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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Additional Resources

• NBC New York
• Wikipedia: Brooklyn Bridge
• The Guardian
• Google Search: Mexican Navy Cuauhtémoc
• ABC7 Chicago
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge
• Time Out New York
• Google News: Ship Collision Brooklyn Bridge