A tragic accident occurred when the Mexican navy tall ship Cuauhtemoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in the deaths of two sailors and injuries to 19 others. The incident happened on Saturday evening at around 8:20 p.m. as the ship was departing New York City as part of a goodwill tour.
The Cuauhtemoc, a 300-foot training vessel, was maneuvering in difficult conditions. The tide had just changed, creating a strong current in the East River, while winds were blowing at about 10 mph. Experienced captains can usually handle such challenges, but this time, things went horribly wrong. Eyewitness footage shows the ship moving in reverse at high speed before crashing into the bridge, raising concerns about whether the captain had lost control of the engine.
Mexican authorities identified one of the deceased sailors as 20-year-old América Yamilet Sánchez, who fell from one of the ship’s masts during the accident. She was a student at the Mexican naval academy and had been excited about the ship’s next destination, Iceland. Her family is now arranging for her return home.
The Cuauhtemoc had been docked at the South Street Seaport for several days before the crash, welcoming visitors. It was not clear if the captain had requested a pilot to assist with the departure, but a harbor pilot was on board as required. Tracking data revealed that a tugboat had initially assisted the ship but left before it had fully turned, which may have contributed to the accident.
Sal Mercogliano, a former merchant mariner, noted that several factors led to the collision. The ship’s height, strong currents, and the absence of a tugboat escort were all significant risks. He suggested that the ship should have left two hours earlier when conditions were more favorable. Fortunately, the ship’s masts did not fall into the water, preventing an even worse disaster.
New York City officials reported that the Brooklyn Bridge sustained minor damage, but the incident caused significant disruptions. The Coast Guard has established a safety zone around the Cuauhtemoc, which is now docked at Pier 35 in lower Manhattan. Investigations by both the U.S. and Mexican authorities are underway to determine the exact causes of the accident, including whether proper safety checks were conducted before departure.
Senator Chuck Schumer has called for a thorough investigation, raising concerns about whether staffing and safety procedures at the Coast Guard may have been affected by previous federal hiring freezes.
As the investigation continues, the community is mourning the loss of life while also reflecting on the risks associated with navigating busy waterways like New York Harbor.