A Mexican tall ship slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge as a result of it apparently misplaced its steering capability due to mechanical failure, sources stated — a tragedy eerily paying homage to final 12 months’s Baltimore span catastrophe.
Surprising footage captured the second the Mexican Navy’s 147-foot tall showboat the Cuauhatemoc struck the historic New York Metropolis bridge Saturday night time, killing two crew members, injuring at the very least 17 different individuals — and leaving terrified crew members dangling and clinging for pricey life from the rigging.
“There will need to have been a variety of frantic, ‘Look out!’ There needed to be some pandemonium,” retired US Navy Capt. Alfred McClaren advised The Put up of the doubtless scene aboard ship.
Sources stated the 43-year-old vessel was on its technique to the Brooklyn waterfront to refuel earlier than setting sail for Iceland however had loads of diesel when it appeared to have misplaced its steering skill due to a mechanical malfunction and was rapidly carried into the bridge by highly effective East River currents.
A neighborhood harbor pilot, or mariner accustomed to the East River’s currents and situation, and space docking pilot, who helps navigate ships out of regional berths and docks, have been concerned in aiding the guiding of the vessel earlier than the crash, well-placed sources stated. A minimum of one of many two as on board the ship on the time.
With an investigation now beneath technique to affirm what went improper, former US Coast Guard Lt. Henry Lipian advised The Put up the crew might have tried to drop anchor to attempt to assist thwart the tragedy.
“It doesn’t imply an anchor’s going to work,” Lipian stated. “It’d sluggish the ship slightly bit, nevertheless it won’t be sufficient to cease it. It’s no assure.
“You lose your engine for no matter purpose, you’re on the mercy of the weather.”
Lipian stated it was a “worst-case state of affairs” for a crew made up largely of “trainees” to lose energy in a harbor akin to New York’s.
“You solely have a brief distance and a comparatively brief time frame” to react,” he stated.
“In case you lose energy there you’re in large bother. Take into consideration these components. You’ve the wind. The wind goes to push the vessel to some extent. You’re going to have the present. And the tides in the identical route as the present and no matter route [the vessel] was touring at earlier than you lose energy — you continue to have the momentum of the route the vessel was touring in.
“In case you can’t get the anchor down quick sufficient, it’s the worst potential state of affairs.”
The collision bore haunting similarities to the March 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Six development employees on that bridge have been killed when an enormous cargo ship misplaced energy and couldn’t steer, barreling into the span, which crumpled into the bay.
In that case, the ship went darkish earlier than the collision, in contrast to the Saturday night time Brooklyn Bridge incident, throughout which the crusing vessel’s lights continued to shine even after the crash.
Saturday’s tragic accident befalling a well-regarded navy akin to Mexico’s left McClaren shocked.
““I’ve by no means ever heard any criticism of the Mexican Navy. I’m dumbfounded,” he stated. “It’s simply horrible.”
The ship carried 277 crew members and was largely used as a coaching vessel for navy cadets.
Peter Himler from Flatiron Communications, which helps to place collectively the deliberate July 4, 2026, worldwide parade of ships in New York Harbor for America’s 250th anniversary, stated the Cuauhtemoc was anticipated to participate within the extremely anticipated occasion however had not but confirmed.
The Put up was aboard the ship final week for the announcement because it coasted previous the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and into Pier 17 on the South Avenue Seaport.
Authorities stated the 2 crew members who have been killed have been within the rigging on the masts that crumbled when it struck the bridge, whereas others fell or have been injured by particles that rained down on the deck.
Mayor Eric Adams stated the injured crew have been taken to Bellevue Hospital.
The Nationwide Transportation Security Board, which is investigating the incident, didn’t instantly reply to a Put up request for remark Sunday.
Further reporting by Dorian Geiger
