A tragic accident took place in New York City when a large Mexican navy ship hit the famous Brooklyn Bridge on May 17. The crash killed two people and left over 20 others injured. The ship, Cuauhtémoc, is a tall training vessel known for its towering masts and decorative lights. Officials are now trying to find out what went wrong.
What Happened During the Crash?
The Cuauhtémoc was sailing near the Brooklyn Bridge when it crashed into the structure. The ship’s 147-foot-tall masts were lit up with lights and were too tall to pass under the bridge. As the ship got closer, it struck the bridge, and the masts were smashed upon impact.
Videos shared online showed naval cadets in white uniforms hanging from the ship’s beams during the crash. People nearby, especially around the South Street Seaport, were shocked and started running away in fear.
Casualties and Injuries
There were 277 people on board the Cuauhtémoc when the accident happened. According to the Mexican navy, two people died—a female cadet and a male Marine. Twenty-two others were injured, and at least three of them were seriously hurt. Two people are still in critical condition, as confirmed by the New York Police Department.
What Caused the Crash?
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation. However, New York Mayor Eric Adams said that the Cuauhtémoc lost power just before the crash, around 8:20 p.m. ET. Even though the ship lost power, the decorative lights on the masts were still glowing when it hit the bridge.
The ship was supposed to sail south from New York Harbor toward Iceland, but it went in the wrong direction and ended up heading toward the Brooklyn Bridge, according to reports from The New York Times and Associated Press.
Investigations Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has sent a special team to the crash site to investigate. At the same time, Mexico’s navy has also started its own investigation. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the investigations are ongoing.
The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, expressed condolences and offered full support to the Mexican government.
What Happened to the Ship?
All three masts of the Cuauhtémoc were damaged in the crash. The ship is now docked at Pier 36 on the East River. Officials are checking the damage and making a plan to repair and possibly salvage the vessel.
For safety, a 50-yard restricted zone has been created around the ship, and commercial traffic has been suspended in that area.
About the Cuauhtémoc Ship
The Cuauhtémoc is a 300-foot-long steel-hulled sailing ship with three masts. It was launched in 1982 and is named after Cuauhtémoc, the last emperor of the Aztecs. The ship is used by Mexico as a training and diplomatic vessel, often visiting other countries as a symbol of goodwill.
The Cuauhtémoc was recently open to the public at New York’s Pier 17 from May 13 to 17 before the accident occurred.
Was the Brooklyn Bridge Damaged?
Thankfully, the Brooklyn Bridge did not suffer any major damage, according to city transportation officials. After a quick inspection, traffic on the bridge resumed in both directions.