VIDEO: Dramatic moment navy boats collide in Veracruz – minor injuries reported
“The US destroyers are trembling with fear at these displays,” says one online commentator about the moment that two Mexican Navy boats collided in a rehearsal for a tactical operations display.
Now discussions are taking place about the risks involved in public military exhibitions after the dramatic incident involving two Defender-class vessels of the Mexican Navy (Secretaría de Marina, SEMAR). The pair collided during a rehearsal for the 204th anniversary of the navy.
According to SEMAR two naval personnel sustained minor injuries but were promptly treated by Sanidad Naval medical teams on site. There were no civilian injuries.
A formal investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the mishap, and reinforce safety protocols for future demonstrations. Officials have also said that preparations for the 4 October event – which also commemorates the 201st anniversary of the Promulgation of the Constitution of 1824 – remain on schedule.
The incident happened on 27 September, at the Malecón dock in the Port of Veracruz, during a high-speed manoeuvre intended to simulate tactical operations. This was to be showcased at the upcoming commemorative ceremony.
According to local media, witnesses described the impact as sudden and forceful, with one vessel failing to avoid the other during a turn. Both boats were immediately removed from the water and placed under technical inspection. They remain out of service pending the outcome of an internal review.
“The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) emphasises that these practices, by their nature, entail certain operational risks; however, safety protocols and immediate attention are in place to safeguard the integrity of personnel,” says a SEMAR spokesperson.
SEMAR says the forthcoming display will demonstrate the naval force’s operational capabilities, and that, despite the incident, the event maintains its symbolic significance. Due to the nature of open-sea and rapid manoeuvring exercises, operational risks cannot be completely eliminated.
