A Mexican navy training vessel recently had a bit of a mishap in New York when it collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night. The incident occurred just a few minutes after the ship, known as the Cuauhtemoc, departed from a Manhattan pier filled with excited onlookers. Right before the collision, distress calls were made only 45 seconds in advance, according to U.S. investigators.
The Cuauhtemoc, with its rigging adorned with bright white lights and naval cadets perched high up on the ship’s yards, began its journey in reverse with the help of a tugboat. The tugboat guided the vessel away from the bridge, preventing it from drifting upstream in the East River. However, things took a turn for the worse when the ship detached from the tug and started to pick up speed in reverse, heading straight for the Brooklyn Bridge. Despite calls for help and attempts to avert disaster, the ship ended up colliding with the historic bridge, causing significant damage and claiming the lives of two cadets.
Eyewitness videos captured the chaotic scene as the crew of the Cuauhtemoc scrambled on the mast before the collision. The aftermath left many injured and in need of medical attention, while the ship itself remained docked in Manhattan awaiting relocation. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with NTSB officials still seeking permission to board the vessel and interview key personnel. As the crew members return to Mexico and the damaged ship awaits salvage, questions remain about what led to the tragic collision and how such a disaster could have been prevented.
