05/19/2025
NEW YORK, May 19, 2025 – A Mexican Navy training vessel, the Cuauhtémoc, crashed into the iconic Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, killing two crew members and injuring at least 22 others. The incident, captured in dramatic videos, has prompted investigations by both Mexican and U.S. authorities.
Key Details of the Incident
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Two Fatalities: A female cadet, América Yamilet Sánchez (21), and a male Marine, Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, died from injuries sustained in the crash.
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Multiple Injuries: Nineteen crew members were hospitalized, with three in critical condition.
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Cause Under Investigation: Preliminary reports suggest mechanical failure, but the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Mexican Navy are conducting a full probe.
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Bridge Safety: The Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major structural damage, and traffic resumed after inspections.
What Happened?
The 147-foot (45-meter) tall masts of the Cuauhtémoc—a three-masted barque named after the last Aztec emperor—collided with the bridge while passing under it on the East River. Eyewitness footage shows the masts shearing off as the ship veered toward the Brooklyn shoreline, sending debris flying and causing panic among onlookers.
Official Responses
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the deaths and stated that injured cadets were “doing better.”
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New York Mayor Eric Adams assured the public that the bridge was safe but emphasized the need for a thorough investigation.
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U.S. Coast Guard established a 50-yard safety zone around the docked vessel and is assisting in the probe.
Families Demand Answers
The family of América Yamilet Sánchez expressed grief and frustration, questioning how such an accident could occur.
“It’s impossible for something so serious to not be thoroughly investigated,” said a relative. “There must be someone responsible.”
NTSB Press Conference Today
The NTSB will hold a news conference at 3 p.m. ET to provide updates on the investigation. Key questions include:
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Was there a navigation error or mechanical failure?
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Did Coast Guard monitoring systems fail to alert the ship?
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Could budget cuts under the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) have impacted safety protocols?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfc85npE5B4
About the Cuauhtémoc
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Built: 1981 in Bilbao, Spain.
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Purpose: Training vessel for Mexican naval cadets.
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Current Status: Docked at Pier 36 with significant mast damage.
What’s Next?
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Repatriation of Victims: Sánchez’s body is expected to be returned to Mexico soon.
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Ongoing Investigations: The Mexican Navy and NTSB will determine accountability.
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Safety Reviews: Potential reassessment of tall ship protocols near bridges.
Stay Updated
For the latest developments, follow Reuters and CNN.
#BrooklynBridgeCrash #MexicanNavy #Cuauhtémoc #NTSB #NewYorkAccident #MaritimeSafety
Any regulations for sailing of this type of ships by IMO? is ISM Code applicable to these ships??