A devastating maritime accident occurred when the Mexican navy ship Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot tall sailing vessel, crashed into the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday night. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of two crew members’ lives, while 19 others sustained injuries. The ship, carrying 277 people on board, had set sail from the Mexican port of Acapulco on April 6 and was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 countries.
According to eyewitness accounts and footage, the ship lost power and drifted helplessly towards the bridge, smashing into the abutment on the Brooklyn side and snapping its three masts. Miraculously, everyone on board was accounted for, and no one fell into the water. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that the bridge sustained minimal damage and was reopened to the public after a preliminary inspection.
The cause of the collision is believed to be a combination of mechanical issues and a power cut. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her solidarity with the families of the deceased crew members, mourning the loss of life. The incident has cast a shadow over the ship’s goodwill tour, which aimed to promote friendship and cooperation between nations. The Cuauhtémoc’s journey will no longer continue as planned, following this tragic accident.
