Brooklyn Bridge Tragedy: Vessel Crashes Into Iconic Landmark — Sailors Seen Clinging For Life

A Mexican naval training ship struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on Saturday, May 17, killing two persons.

With 277 people on board, the 297-foot Cuauhtémoc ship swerved into the famous bridge.

Online footage reveals that as the ship went beneath the New York City building, its masts clipped the Brooklyn Bridge.

Crew men were standing on the masts when they broke and crashed to the deck, according to authorities.

The event has resulted in the injuries of 19 more people.

When the ship struck the bridge, Lily Katz was sitting outside taking in the sunset.

recalling what she saw, Katz told The Associated Press, “We saw someone dangling, and I couldn’t tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them.”

On Saturday night, Nick Corso chose to capture the ship against the stunning backdrop of the sunset while he was also enjoying it.

However, he told AFP that there were “lots of screaming, some sailors hanging from the masts,” and that the place swiftly descended into a torrent of terror.

when the incident occurred, traffic was stopped on the Brooklyn Bridge, but it was soon reopened when an inspection revealed no significant damage to the iconic New York landmark.

Why did the Mexican navy ship crash into the Brooklyn Bridge?

According to New York Police Chief Wilson Aramboles, the ship had departed a Manhattan wharf and was not intended to go to the bridge.

However, a preliminary investigation claims that a mechanical issue caused the ship to lose power.

When the ship tried to sail in reverse beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, the masts eventually toppled because they were too tall to pass through.

In a statement posted on Twitter, New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated, “The tall ship Cuauhtémoc of the Mexican Navy lost power earlier tonight and collided with 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.”

Meanwhile, Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico, added: “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.”