Sailors Injured as Training Vessel Cuauhtémoc Snaps Masts in Brooklyn Bridge Collision

In a devastating event on Saturday, two people were confirmed dead and at least 19 others were injured following a collision between the Mexican Navy training vessel Cuauhtémoc and the renowned Brooklyn Bridge.

A tall sailing ship carrying 277 people encountered a power failure while navigating near the bridge, leading to a collision with the abutment on the Brooklyn side. Authorities have confirmed that the vessel's impressive 158-foot masts struck the bridge, leading to a dramatic break and subsequent crash onto the deck.

Video footage has surfaced depicting a chaotic scene in which crew members were positioned on the masts as they began to give way. Eyewitness Nick Corso told AFP the scene was “a lot of screaming, and some sailors were seen hanging from the masts.”

Mayor Eric Adams has confirmed the deaths, noting that two of the injured individuals are in critical condition at this time. In a positive development, all crew members have been confirmed safe, with no reports of anyone entering the water.

The iconic Brooklyn Bridge is back in operation after thorough inspections revealed no major structural issues. Officials have determined that mechanical failures and a subsequent loss of power caused the accident.

The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot training vessel built in 1982, plays an essential role in the naval education of cadets. The ship departed from Acapulco on April 6 en route to Iceland.

President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico has extended her condolences in response to the recent tragedy, honoring the lives that were lost in service.

A vessel that experienced the complete loss of all three masts has been successfully towed away from the site of the incident. The Coast Guard in New York is currently engaged in an investigation regarding the incident.

Witness Kelvin Flores described a scene marked by significant disruption as emergency crews made their way through crowded streets to aid the injured.

The recent accident has raised serious concerns about the safety of tall-masted vessels navigating under New York's iconic bridges.

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