Mexican Navy Ship Hits Brooklyn Bridge, Killing 2 and Injuring Over 20
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| mexican navy ship brooklyn bridge crash |
A Mexican Navy training ship crashed into the bottom of the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, killing two people and injuring more than 20 others. The ship, called Cuauhtémoc, had 277 people on board when it hit the bridge while leaving New York City.
City officials say the ship lost power before the crash. It was on a long trip around the world to promote peace and friendship.
What Happened
The accident happened at around 8:20 p.m. The ship was sailing away from Pier 17 in Manhattan and heading to Iceland when the top of its tall masts hit the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge.
The masts broke on impact. Two sailors fell and later died in the hospital. Nineteen others were taken to hospitals with injuries, and two are still in critical condition.
Video taken by people nearby shows the ship hitting the bridge, with parts of the mast falling down onto the deck. Some sailors were seen clinging to the ropes and rigging, trying not to fall.
What Caused the Crash?
Officials say the ship had a mechanical problem and lost steering control or power just before the accident. This made it impossible for the captain to safely guide the ship under the bridge.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now investigating the crash. They are checking the ship’s black box to find out exactly what went wrong.
Was the Bridge Damaged?
The Brooklyn Bridge was temporarily closed for about 40 minutes while engineers checked for damage. Luckily, there was no serious harm to the bridge, and it reopened the same night.
About the Ship Cuauhtémoc
The Cuauhtémoc is a Mexican Navy sailing ship used to train cadets and officers. It was built in 1981 and has visited more than 200 ports in 64 countries.
This trip was part of a 254-day world tour, with stops in 15 countries. The ship had 213 men and 64 women on board, making it one of the most diverse crews in its history.
It had been docked at South Street Seaport Museum in New York for five days before the crash and was expected to take part in a major ship parade for America’s 250th birthday in 2026.
🇲🇽 Mexico Reacts
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum shared her sadness after the accident:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members. Our support goes to their families.”
Mexican officials in the U.S. are working closely with New York authorities. The Mexican Navy is also helping those who were hurt.
Emergency Response
More than 100 firefighters and medics rushed to help after the ship hit the bridge. Emergency teams worked quickly to move the ship to Pier 36 so that everyone could get off safely.
Mayor Eric Adams praised the responders:
“They did a tremendous job getting everyone off the ship and to safety.”
A Warning from the Past
This crash happened just 16 months after a cargo ship destroyed the Key Bridge in Baltimore, killing six workers. That ship also lost power before hitting the bridge. These back-to-back accidents have raised serious concerns about ship safety near major bridges.
Final Thoughts
The Cuauhtémoc was on a mission to share peace and goodwill—but this tragic accident has shocked both Mexico and the U.S. Investigations are ongoing to find out how it happened and how to prevent it from happening again.
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