Mexican Navy Training Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Resulting in Two Deaths and Multiple Injuries

A tragic incident unfolded as the Mexican Navy's training ship, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the base of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, leaving at least two dead and 20 injured, including four in critical condition. The accident happened Saturday night while the ship was navigating the East River as part of a diplomatic and instructional tour.

The mishap occurred when one of the ship's masts struck the bridge's structure, causing panic among drivers and pedestrians. This led to a swift emergency response from various local agencies. New York authorities assured that the bridge sustained no structural damage and reopened following a preliminary inspection, though the Cuauhtémoc suffered severe damage, halting its international voyage.

Unforeseen Tragedy During Departure

The Cuauhtémoc embarked on its journey from Acapulco on April 6, with 277 individuals on board, including cadets, officers, and crew, planning to visit 22 ports across 15 countries. After docking at Manhattan's Pier 17 on May 13 and opening to the public until May 17, the ship met with disaster shortly after departing at 8:20 p.m. local time.

Eyewitnesses and social media videos showed the ship's main mast hitting the bridge's base as it traversed the East River. A loss of power during the departure maneuver apparently caused the ship to be carried by the current into one of the bridge's pillars. "It seems the vessel lost power and was dragged by the current towards the bridge's pillar," stated Wilson Aramboles, head of special operations for the New York Police Department, noting that sailors were atop the mast when the crash happened.

Dramatic Scenes and Swift Response

Many bystanders witnessed the collision, recounting harrowing scenes such as a person suspended in a harness on the mast for over 15 minutes before rescue. Initially, New York Mayor Eric Adams reported 19 injuries, with two critically injured and two fatalities, but the number of injured has since risen, according to Mexican Navy sources.

"We pray for everyone aboard and their families, and we thank our first responders for acting swiftly, ensuring the accident wasn't worse," Adams remarked. He also confirmed that the Brooklyn Bridge, which sees over 100,000 vehicles and 32,000 pedestrians daily, did not incur structural damages and was reopened after a 40-minute closure.

Official Reactions from Mexico

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her deep sorrow over the tragedy in a social media message. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of two crew members of the Cuauhtémoc. Our solidarity with their families. We thank Mayor Eric Adams for all the support provided to our nationals," she wrote.

The Mexican Navy confirmed the ship's damages and announced the suspension of the instructional voyage. Meanwhile, the Mexican Foreign Ministry reported that the Mexican ambassador in the United States and the Consulate General in New York are assisting those affected.

A Symbol of Mexican Naval Heritage

The Cuauhtémoc, also known as the "Ambassador and Gentleman of the Seas," has served as a training vessel for the Heroic Naval Military School since 1982. Annually, it embarks on international routes to complete the training of naval cadets. The current tour was planned for 254 days, with 170 days at sea and 84 days in ports like Havana, Reykjavik, Dunkirk, and Aberdeen.

The accident not only resulted in an irreplaceable human loss but also dealt a symbolic blow to the Mexican Navy, which had deployed one of its most distinguished ships as a floating ambassador of the nation. The causes of the incident are under investigation by naval and civil authorities from both Mexico and the United States. As of the article's publication, no further details about the fatal accident have emerged.