Authorities in New York are currently investigating the scene of a tragic incident where a Mexican Navy sailing ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, leading to two fatalities and at least 19 injuries. Early police reports indicated that the ship had lost power moments before striking the bridge, with witnesses capturing video footage that showed the vessel's three towering masts collapsing as bystanders looked on in shock. Thankfully, the bridge itself was unharmed and traffic was restored shortly after the collision.
The Cuauhtémoc, which boasts a mast height of 48.2 meters (158 feet), approached the bridge that has a clearance of 41.1 meters (135 feet) at its center, raising questions about how the incident transpired. Emergency responders successfully evacuated at least 27 individuals from the ship for medical care, with New York fire authorities confirming that all 277 personnel aboard were accounted for. Following the crash, the vessel lost its three masts and was relocated to a nearby pier for further examination.
The National Transportation Safety Board announced that it would send a team to assist the US Coast Guard in investigating the incident, with coordination taking place between the United States and Mexican governments. In a statement, Mexico's Navy Secretary Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles asserted that the investigation results would be handled with "total transparency and responsibility." The Cuauhtémoc had set sail from Acapulco, Mexico, on April 6, embarking on a tour scheduled to conclude with participation in a Tall Ships race in Aberdeen, Scotland, this July.
