NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: Two crew members died and 22 others were injured after the Mexican Navy training ship, Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. local time as the ship, carrying 277 people, was departing from New York’s Pier 17 en route to Iceland.
The Cuauhtémoc, a three-masted sailing ship often referred to as Mexico’s “Ambassador and Knight of the Seas,” hit the underside of the bridge, damaging all three masts.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that two individuals fell from one of the masts during the impact and were later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Victims Identified
Mexican authorities identified the victims as cadet América Yamilet Sánchez from Veracruz and sailor Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos from Oaxaca.
The local government of San Mateo del Mar, Oaxaca, expressed its condolences to Maldonado Marcos’ family, while the governor of Veracruz, Rocío Nahle, also conveyed her sympathies to Sánchez’s loved ones.
Injuries and Immediate Response
Nineteen individuals were taken to hospitals, while three others were treated at the scene. Four of the injured remain in critical condition.
More than 100 emergency responders from the New York Fire Department and EMS were deployed, including marine units that responded swiftly to secure the ship and assist the injured.
Following the collision, a safety zone was established around the ship, which was towed to Pier 36 for further inspection. Authorities also temporarily closed the Brooklyn Bridge to assess potential structural damage, but later reopened it after determining it was safe.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation, with experts specializing in nautical operations, marine engineering, and survival factors arriving on the scene.
Preliminary reports suggest that mechanical issues, specifically a loss of steering due to a faulty rudder, may have caused the ship to veer off course. The ship’s voyage data recorder is expected to provide further insights into the events leading up to the crash.
According to city officials, the Cuauhtémoc had lost power shortly before striking the bridge. The ship was reported to be moving in the wrong direction, possibly due to strong currents and steering failure.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams noted that the ship’s captain reported losing control after the rudder malfunctioned.
Senator Chuck Schumer raised concerns about potential contributing factors linked to cuts made to the Coast Guard’s budget during the Trump administration. Schumer suggested that if understaffing at the Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic Services played a role, it must be addressed.
The Mexican Navy Secretary, Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles, expressed his condolences and pledged full support to the families of the deceased and injured.
President Claudia Sheinbaum also voiced her sadness and assured that Mexican authorities would support the victims and their families.
A Well-Travelled Vessel
The Cuauhtémoc set sail from Acapulco on 4 April as part of a global goodwill mission, with stops planned at 22 ports in 15 countries. It had been docked at New York’s South Street Seaport Museum for five days of public viewing before departing for Iceland.
The ship, built in Spain in 1981, serves as a training vessel for the Heroic Naval Military School and is a symbol of Mexico’s maritime heritage.
Known for its ceremonial traditions, including sailors climbing the masts during arrivals and departures, it has participated in international regattas and goodwill tours for over four decades.
Eyewitness Accounts and Further Actions
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the ship coming unusually close to the bridge, with some capturing the dramatic moment when the masts struck the bridge and splintered. Video footage also showed crew members clinging to the rigging during the impact.
Efforts are underway to move the damaged ship to a safer location for repairs. The Mexican Navy, working with local authorities, plans to repatriate the bodies of the deceased and ensure proper care for the injured.
As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on technical inspections of the vessel, including its rudder, to determine the full cause of the tragic accident. The NTSB is expected to hold a press conference to provide updates on the investigation.
The post Mexican Navy training ship collision with Brooklyn Bridge kills two, injures 22 appeared first on The Online Citizen.
