A tragic accident took place on Saturday night in New York Harbor as the Cuauhtémoc, a renowned tall ship operated by the Mexican Navy, struck the Brooklyn Bridge. The ship was leaving Manhattan when the sailors on-board were performing a traditional farewell performance atop its towering masts when the disaster took place.
Traditional Departure Turns Tragic
The Cuauhtémoc was preparing to sail out of New York. A Mexican Navy tradition had the crew members strapping themselves to the ship’s roughly 147-foot-tall masts in a ceremonial display.
The Cuauhtémoc is a 43-year-old training vessel and is known for its dramatic entrances and exits. During those times, sailors can be seen standing in formation high above the deck on the masts.
However, shortly after Cuauhtémoc departed it reportedly lost power. According to the NYPD, strong winds and tides pushed the vessel north into the East River. This meant it was moving directly into the path of the Brooklyn Bridge, which only has a clearance of about 127 feet.
Around 8:20 p.m., the ship’s masts collided with the bridge. Video footage from the horrifying moment showed sailors holding onto ropes as the masts snapped.
Fatalities and Injuries Reported
The crash into the Brooklyn Bridge left two people dead and 22 others injured, including 11 critically. The two fatalities were 20-year-old América Yamilet Sánchez, whose death was confirmed by Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle García on X, and 23-year-old Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos.
On X, Governor Garcia wrote, “I deeply regret the passing of Veracruz cadet América Yamilet Sánchez. My love, support, and solidarity go out to her family.”
Authorities have confirmed that the vessel was carrying 277 sailors at the time of the crash.
Key Safety Measures Were Missing
Senator Chuck Schumer held a news conference on Sunday, where he criticized the absence of a tugboat escort. “At the time of the crash, the tides and wind were blowing up river, thus requiring the vessel to use its organic power or the assistance of a tug. The vessel did not use a tugboat’s assistance,” Schumer said. “Usually very often there is a tugboat before to help him get out, especially on a sailing ship.”
Though a tugboat appeared near the Cuauhtémoc during the incident, it arrived too late to prevent the crash. City officials said the responsibility for arranging a tugboat service falls to the Mexican Navy.
Experts like Capt. Tuuli A. Messer-Bookman from the California Maritime Academy noted that ship captains and harbor pilots typically decide whether to use tug assistance. In New York Harbor, pilots are usually local experts familiar with tug availability and harbor conditions.
An Investigation Is Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) dispatched investigators to New York on Sunday. The Cuauhtémoc was secured at Pier 36 in Lower Manhattan as the investigation got underway.
By this morning, more than 170 crew members had been flown back to Veracruz, Mexico. Two injured sailors remained hospitalized in stable condition in New York. The Mexican Navy is coordinating with both U.S. and Mexican diplomatic officials to support the crew and families of the victims.
A Ship Symbolizing National Pride
Named after the last Aztec emperor, the Cuauhtémoc — meaning “Descending Eagle” — is a symbol of Mexican heritage and pride. The ship has completed four global voyages and is used to train cadets in the values of “honor, duty, loyalty and patriotism,” according to the Mexican Navy.
During its visit to New York, the ship hosted dignitaries and members of the media, extending goodwill on behalf of the Mexican government. The tragic events of Saturday have cast a shadow over that mission, prompting questions about safety protocols and the responsibilities of visiting foreign vessels in U.S. waters.
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