Mexican Tall Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge

A serious maritime incident occurred early Sunday morning when the Mexican tall ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The accident took place just before 2:30 AM local time, resulting in the tragic confirmation of two fatalities. Witnesses reported that the ship's three masts, with the tallest reaching nearly 45 meters, struck the well-known bridge structure while navigating the East River.

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, transporting 19 individuals to nearby hospitals, with two reported to be in critical condition. The vessel carried a total of 277 crew members, predominantly young cadets, who were participating in an educational voyage. Eyewitnesses along the waterfront described harrowing scenes, with one individual reportedly hanging precariously from a harness atop the ship for several minutes before rescue efforts could reach them.

As the ship was maneuvering backward at the time of the incident, the exact cause of the collision is still under investigation. Fortunately, the Brooklyn Bridge and its occupants were unharmed; however, the bridge was closed for approximately two hours to facilitate rescue operations and ensure safety.

Law enforcement officials, including NYPD's Wilson Aramboles, indicated that the ship's captain lost control during the incident. Preliminary assessments suggest that mechanical issues may have contributed to the loss of control. The ship was reportedly scheduled to leave Manhattan and refuel at a port in Brooklyn.

The Cuauhtémoc, measuring 297 feet long (over 90 meters), was launched in Acapulco in 1982. It had docked at South Street Seaport in New York on May 13 and was in the midst of an educational tour, which began on April 6, with planned stops in cities such as Reykjavik and Dunkerque.