2 dead after Mexican Sail Ship hits Brooklyn Bridge!
New York, May 17 (EFE).-
Two crew members died from their injuries after Mexican training ship Cuauhtemoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, New York, Mayor Eric Adams announced early Sunday morning.
“Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtemoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries,” Adams said on X.
The Mexican Navy confirmed the two deaths in a statement and referred to an “updated official report of 22 injured crew members, of whom 11 are diagnosed as critical and nine are stable,” figures that are higher than those provided by the New York City Mayor’s Office.
Federal transportation authorities are investigating the accident, and preliminary information points to “mechanical problems” with the ship, according to what was disclosed during the appearance.
Possible structural damage to the bridge, which was closed to traffic in both directions for at least two hours but reopened at about 10:30pm, would be assessed later.
Mayor Adams is expected to provide the latest information at a press conference Saturday night.
Emergency services responded to the scene with a large deployment of personnel after the accident, which occurred just after 8pm, when it was still light.
According to images recorded by witnesses and shared on social media, the ship’s three masts broke one after the other as it hit the bridge, and the boat continued moving toward a dock at its base; a group of sailors can also be seen perched on the side.
The Cuauhtemoc arrived in the city on May 13 on a mission of public diplomacy, naval training, and cultural promotion. It has a crew of about 200.
The Mexican Navy said in a message on X that the accident occurred during “the departure maneuver” and “caused damage” to the ship, but made no mention of possible casualties. EFE
nqs/lds
