On Saturday, a serious incident unfolded in New York City when a Mexican naval vessel, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in at least 19 injuries, four of which were classified as severe. The mishap occurred during a promotional event, with the ship’s top masts crashing against the iconic structure as it floated in the East River, causing a partial collapse of the masts while the bridge itself sustained minimal damage.
Eyewitnesses filmed the dramatic moment, capturing the masts breaking and collapsing onto the bridge deck amidst heavy traffic at the time of the accident. As the ship, prominently flying the Mexican flag, drifted towards the river’s edge, onlookers hurriedly moved away from the shore.
Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz, two spectators enjoying the sunset, witnessed the vessel’s impact and noticed a person precariously dangling from the ship’s harness for about 15 minutes before being rescued. They also reported seeing two individuals carried away on stretchers to smaller boats.
The Mexican navy confirmed that the Cuauhtémoc, intended for training, suffered damages that halted its mission. They indicated that local authorities were collaborating to assess the situation and ensure the safety and well-being of all crew members. The Secretary of the Navy reiterated their commitment to personnel safety and transparent operations.
The Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883, spans nearly 490 metres and handles over 100,000 vehicles and 32,000 pedestrians daily, making it a significant tourist destination.
The Cuauhtémoc, measuring approximately 90.5 metres in length, embarked on its first voyage in 1982 and annually sets sail at the conclusion of the military school’s academic year to train cadets. This year’s journey began on April 6 from Acapulco, Mexico, and was planned to include stops at 22 ports across 15 nations, including Kingston, Jamaica, and Reykjavik, Iceland. The ship was set to spend a total of 254 days at sea, with 170 of those days on the water.