Authorities in New York are investigating a fatal maritime collision after the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc struck the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, killing two people and injuring at least 19 others.
Key Details:
- Cause (Initial Reports):
- The ship lost power before colliding with the bridge.
- A video captured the ship’s three tall masts collapsing as it approached the bridge.
- Ship vs. Bridge Clearance:
- Cuauhtémoc mast height: 48.2m (158 ft)
- Brooklyn Bridge clearance: 41.1m (135 ft) at its center
- The ship was too tall to safely pass under the bridge.
- Casualties:
- 2 fatalities on board
- At least 19 injured
- 27 people rescued and treated
- All 277 crew members accounted for
- Bridge Status:
- No structural damage reported
- Reopened to traffic later Saturday
- Next Steps:
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is assisting in the investigation.
- The ship has been towed to a nearby pier for examination.
- Both U.S. and Mexican authorities are cooperating.
- Statement from Mexico:
- Navy Secretary Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles pledged transparency and accountability in the investigation.
- Ship’s Mission:
- The Cuauhtémoc departed Acapulco on 6 April for a global tour including stops in New York and Aberdeen, Scotland, for the Tall Ships Race in July.
