As initial reports indicate what caused the boat to collide with the Brooklyn Bridge.
A Mexican Navy training ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge, causing two deaths and over 20 injuries.
On the evening of May 17, the vessel Cuauhtémoc, carrying 277 people, scraped its 147-foot masts against the bridge while passing underneath in New York. The ship was on a goodwill tour headed to Iceland.
By Sunday afternoon, the Mexican Navy confirmed 22 people were injured, with two in critical condition, according to the NYPD. Sadly, two lives were lost—América Yamilet Sánchez and Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos.
After the tragedy, officials started looking into what caused the ship to crash into the Brooklyn Bridge.
The first victim named was 21-year-old navy cadet América Yamilet Sánchez from Xalapa, Veracruz. Rocío Nahle, Governor of Veracruz, shared her sympathy on Twitter:
“All my affection, support, and solidarity to her family. I appreciate the @SEMAR_mx and wish a quick recovery for the injured.”
Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, a city council member from San Mateo del Mar, Oaxaca, was named as the second victim. Family and friends of América Yamilet Sánchez gathered on Sunday to honor her memory.
Gael de la Cruz, a close friend of the young cadet, called for answers about the crash. She told Reuters, “It’s impossible that such a serious incident isn’t fully investigated. What happened is ridiculous. Someone must be held responsible.”
An inquiry began immediately after the accident. Authorities are now investigating the factors that led to the ship hitting the bridge.
Theories on What Caused the Brooklyn Bridge Collision with Mexican Navy Ship
At a Sunday press conference, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called the incident an “accident.” She expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of two crew members from the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship. “Our prayers and thoughts are with their families during this difficult time,” she said.
NYPD Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles suggested mechanical issues may have played a role. Speaking to reporters, he said, “The pilot guiding the vessel was likely having trouble. Mechanical problems might have contributed to the ship hitting the bridge.”
A local Office of Emergency Management official revealed the ship wasn’t supposed to pass under the Brooklyn Bridge and was heading the wrong way. Marine experts, cited by ABC, say the tragedy was largely caused by tide and ocean conditions. Multiple studies are now underway to determine exactly what led to the crash.
During a Sunday press conference, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her sorrow. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members from the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship in New York Harbor,” she said. She called the event an “accident” and sent prayers to the families affected during this difficult time.
During a Sunday press conference, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her sorrow. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members from the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship in New York Harbor,” she said. She called the event an “accident” and sent prayers to the families affected during this difficult time.
Chief Wilson Aramboles of NYPD Special Operations told reporters the incident likely stemmed from mechanical problems. He said, “The pilot guiding the vessel faced difficulties, and I suspect mechanical issues caused the ship to collide.”
A spokesman for the city’s Office of Emergency Management added the ship was going the wrong way and wasn’t supposed to pass under the bridge. Marine experts, as ABC reports, pointed out that tide and ocean conditions played a big role in the accident. Several investigations are now underway to pinpoint the exact cause of the crash.
