This weekend, New York authorities disclosed the reasons behind a ship collision with the Brooklyn Bridge that resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
The incident occurred on Saturday, May 17, when a Mexican navy training vessel collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, carrying 277 individuals at the time.
As the ship attempted to pass beneath the bridge, its masts struck the structure, leading to two fatalities and injuring 19 others.
Authorities have now provided an explanation for the circumstances surrounding the collision.
According to Wilson Aramboles, New York’s police chief, the ship had departed a Manhattan pier and was not intended to approach the bridge. An initial report indicates that a mechanical failure resulted in a power loss for the ship.
The ship’s masts were too tall to navigate safely under the Brooklyn Bridge, leading to their collapse when the vessel tried to reverse course beneath the bridge.
In a statement shared on Twitter, New York City Mayor Eric Adams commented: “Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc 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.
“We are praying for everyone on board and their families and are grateful to our first responders who quickly jumped into action, ensuring this accident wasn’t much worse.
“Following our preliminary inspection, we can confirm that the bridge sustained no damage and is now open to the public.”
In response, Claudia Sheinbaum, the president of Mexico, expressed: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in New York Harbor. Our sympathy and support go out to their families.
“The Navy, with the support of local authorities, is currently treating the wounded. The Mexican ambassador to the United States and staff from the Mexican Consulate General in New York are supporting the Navy.
“I thank New York Mayor Eric Adams for all the support he has provided to our fellow citizens. We are monitoring the situation, and the Navy will continue to provide updates.”
An investigation into the precise details of the incident is being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Flavia Moreira, a witness who was walking along the promenade when the collision occurred, recounted the experience: “But it just kept coming closer and closer to us, and at some point, I was like, I don’t think that’s right,” Moreira shared with CNN. “A lot of people started recording like me because it was just such a surreal experience.
“We could see some people being kind of dragged. There was some, I believe it was some of the staff, they were on the top of the boat. And they were swinging around, back and forth as soon as the ship hit the bridge.”
“The ship was just so close to us, so we could see all those people really struggling to just like holding onto something to… don’t fall from the boat.”
A law enforcement official informed CNN that the tragic loss of two individuals resulted from their fall from one of the masts during the incident.