POWER STRUGGLE

2 Dead, 19 Injured After Mexican Navy Tall Ship Crashes Into Brooklyn Bridge

“The pilot lost power of the ship,” an NYPD spokesperson explained on Saturday night.

A ship carrying an estimated 277 people smashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, New York, on Saturday night, according to a report from the New York Post.

One of the 147-foot masts on the Cuauhtémoc, a ship owned by the Mexican Navy, collided with the bridge at approximately 8:26 p.m., according to CNN. Shortly after midnight, New York City Mayor Adams shared an update via X, writing that, “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.”

A senior first responder told the Daily Beast that the Cuauhtémoc appeared to lose power, resulting in it being swept under the bridge by the incoming tide. In addition, when first responders arrived, there were numerous sailors in the mast, but the majority of them managed to save themselves. One critically injured person had severe head injuries and had to be intubated.

At a press conference late Saturday night, Chief Wilson Aramboles of the New York Police Department’s Special Operations Division revealed the cause of the accident. “The pilot lost power of the ship,” he said of the boat, which had departed from nearby Pier 17 not long before the crash. After refueling in Brooklyn, the vessel was set to sail to Iceland.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offered condolences to the families of the two crew members killed and thanked New York City Mayor Eric Adams for his disaster response.

“We deeply regret the passing of two crew members of the Training Ship Cuauhtémoc, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident at the port of New York,” Sheinbaum wrote on X Saturday morning. “Our solidarity and support go out to the families.”

“I thank the mayor of New York, Eric Adams, for all the support provided to our fellow citizens,” she added.

Shortly after the incident took place, New York Attorney General Letitia James shared a link to the Post‘s coverage of the incident on X, adding her own message: “I’m praying for everyone who was on this ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge this evening. New Yorkers should follow local guidance while our first responders do their jobs.“

The ship arrived in New York earlier this week with a grand display to signify goodwill between Mexico and the U.S. that featured cadets lining the ship’s mast as the ship sailed into the harbor.

The Cuauhtémoc, built in 1982 for the purpose of training cadets, was expected to take part in an elaborate display as part of next year’s Fourth of July celebrations for America’s 250th, dubbed “Sail4th.”

Captain Andrew McGovern, a board member for Sail4th, said that cultural exchanges were a key focus of the event, which was also set to include a military flyover and fireworks finale. McGovern said of the event, “The visual will be unbelievable, and the events are going to be magical,” adding, “This will have a lasting legacy and open people’s eyes. This is what we were built on and founded on.”

Traffic delays and road closures are expected around New Dock Street and Water Street in Brooklyn as emergency personnel attend to the scene, and locals are advised to use alternative routes.

Additional reporting by Michael Daly.

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