A significant incident occurred on Saturday evening when a Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with New York City's iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The ship was making a festive visit to the United States when footage captured the moment the towering masts of the vessel clipped the bridge. This shocking event has led to reports of injuries and damage to the ship.
As the Cuauhtémoc sailed under the Brooklyn Bridge, parts of its masts fell onto the deck, prompting immediate responses from emergency services. New York City's Emergency Management (NYCEM) confirmed they were responding to the incident, though specific details were initially scarce. Eyewitnesses reported seeing crowds at the water's edge flee as the masts made contact with the bridge.
Reports from various media outlets, including CBS and BBC, indicate that multiple injuries occurred as a result of the collision. The New York City Fire Department has been deployed to the scene to assist with the situation, although they have not confirmed the number of injuries or whether they involved individuals on the vessel or in the vicinity of the bridge.
The Mexican Navy has acknowledged the damage to the Cuauhtémoc and stated that an investigation into the incident is currently underway. The goodwill visit was intended to strengthen ties between Mexico and the United States, but this unexpected event has overshadowed the ship's purpose.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams was reported to be at the scene, receiving updates on the unfolding situation. As the situation develops, NYCEM has communicated that further details are yet to be confirmed, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring of the incident.
The Cuauhtémoc, which carries over 200 crew members, is a training vessel that plays a crucial role in the Mexican Navy’s maritime education efforts. Its visit to New York City was part of a broader initiative to promote goodwill and international relations. However, this collision has raised questions about maritime safety and the challenges of navigating large vessels in densely populated urban areas.
As the investigation continues, more information will be provided to the public regarding the incident and the safety measures that may need to be implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future.