US Coast Guard responds after Mexican Tall Ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge
The US Coast Guard and multiple agencies responded to a Mexican Tall Ship, which crashed into Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening (17 May).
The tragic incident snapped the vessel’s three masts, killed two crew members and left some sailors dangling from harnesses in the air. The accident was caught on video (see below) by multiple onlookers, who were in the area at the time.
According to reports, including by New York mayor Eric Adams, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc lost power and hit the bridge.
Chief Wilson Aramboles, NYPD special operations, has said that the ship was departing from Pier 17 where it was heading out to sea when it lost power. It is understood that the loss of power combined with the current of the river led to the ship crashing into the bridge.
The Mexican Navy vessel Cuauhtémoc, a 297ft training ship, was captured on video as the accident unfurled – the ship’s three masts struck the bridge and snapped as the tall ship kept moving.
Cuauhtémoc had 277 people on board at the time of the incident. Some crew members were standing atop the rung of the mast when the incident occurred. Sailors could be seen clinging to the mast and some were left dangling in the area before being rescued.
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed on 18 May: “of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, two of which remain in critical condition, and two more have sadly passed away from their injuries.”
Federal investigation underway after Mexican tall ship incident
Federal officials have now launched an investigation.
According to the US Coast Guard, Sector New York received a report that the Cuauhtémoc experienced damage on all three masts and reported multiple injuries on board as a result of the collision.
Sector New York launched a crew from Coast Guard Station New York to the scene and established a safety zone from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Manhattan Bridge.
New York Vessel Traffic Services suspended commercial traffic in the area. The Coast Guard has confirmed that injured personnel were transported to local hospitals in Manhattan.
The Cuauhtémoc is currently moored at Pier 36 on the East River as damage assessments and future actions for the salvage plans of the vessel are being determined. Sector New York has established a 50-yard safety zone around the vessel.
At this time, vessels transiting the area have been requested to proceed at slow speed.
The incident investigation is in progress and being actively coordinated between the governments of Mexico and United States, including the United States’ National Transportation Safety Board and Coast Guard.
Image courtesy of Mayor Eric Adams via Twitter.
