A peaceful evening along the New York City waterfront turned catastrophic when a Mexican navy sailboat struck the Brooklyn Bridge just after 8:30 p.m. Saturday. The collision killed two sailors and left at least 19 others injured, four of them seriously. The incident has stunned residents and drawn federal investigators to the scene.
What Happened on the East River
According to the New York Police Department, the 297-foot-long training ship Cuauhtémoc lost power while disembarking from Pier 17 en route to Iceland. The vessel drifted into a bridge pillar, its towering, light-adorned masts slamming into the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge.
NYPD Chief Wilson Aramboles said mechanical failure combined with river currents led to the impact. Two sailors, identified Sunday by Mexican Senator Manuel Huerta as América Yamilet Sánchez and Adal Jair Marcos, were killed. Cellphone videos show sailors clinging to the damaged rigging in the chaotic aftermath.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigation
Emergency crews from the NYPD, FDNY, and U.S. Coast Guard responded swiftly. Thankfully, none of the 277 people on board fell into the water. The bridge was closed temporarily but reopened just after midnight. Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the structure remains intact after a preliminary inspection.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrived on site Sunday to begin a full investigation into the cause. Their team includes experts in nautical navigation, bridge engineering, and mechanical systems.
International Response and Official Statements
Mayor Adams expressed his condolences early Sunday, writing, “We are praying for everyone on board and their families… this accident wasn’t much worse thanks to our first responders.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum echoed the sentiment, noting the government’s active role in supporting victims and investigating the cause.
“We are going to be attending to them,” she said in a public statement. The Mexican Navy is also reviewing mechanical data from the ship to determine what led to the failure.
Bridge Reopened, But Questions Remain
As New Yorkers return to their routines and traffic flows once again over the Brooklyn Bridge, the aftermath of the crash leaves a mark on many. Investigators will continue examining mechanical logs, crew interviews, and structural data in the days ahead.
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Reference: 2 dead, 19 injured after Mexican navy sailboat crashes into Brooklyn Bridge, mayor says
This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
