Deadly Collision on the Waterfront
A tragic maritime accident unfolded Saturday evening as a Mexican Navy sailboat crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, leaving two people dead and at least 19 injured.
The vessel, carrying 277 people, collided with a bridge pillar around 8:30 p.m., according to New York City officials.
Mechanical Failure Blamed for Crash
City authorities reported that the ship lost both power and mechanical function, leaving it vulnerable to strong currents that forced it into the bridge. NYPD Chief Wilson Aramboles stated that the ship struck a bridge pillar directly where sailors were positioned, resulting in severe injuries. Four individuals remain in serious condition.
@Corso52/X
Mayor Confirms Deaths, Praises First Responders
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed early Sunday that two people had died and two others remained in critical condition. He expressed gratitude for emergency responders, saying their swift action prevented further tragedy.
Dramatic Footage Captures the Moment
Cellphone videos from bystanders showed the ship’s masts—lit and decorated—colliding forcefully with the underside of the bridge. Several crew members were seen dangling from the masts after impact, adding to the chaos of the scene. Fortunately, no one fell into the water.
Bridge Reopened, No Structural Damage Detected
Officials conducted a preliminary inspection of the Brooklyn Bridge and found no structural damage. The bridge, which had temporarily closed, was reopened just after midnight. Mayor Adams confirmed the bridge’s safety in a social media statement.
Ship Was Headed to Iceland
The vessel, known as Cuauhtémoc, is a Mexican Navy sailing training ship. It had departed from Pier 17 and was en route to Iceland when the crash occurred.
Federal Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident. Early findings point to a mechanical malfunction as the likely cause of the crash. Inspectors from the New York City Department of Transportation will continue monitoring the bridge despite no immediate signs of damage.
Keep up with more updates on this story with us on Que Onda Magazine.