By [Wasi Uddin], May 18, 2025
NEW YORK CITY — A stunning maritime tragedy unfolded Saturday evening as the majestic Mexican Navy sailing vessel, ARM Cuauhtémoc, collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge — a catastrophic accident that left two sailors dead, over 20 others injured, and a city in shock.
What began as a routine departure on a goodwill voyage turned into chaos just after 8:26 p.m. The elegant 90-meter tall ship, adorned with full sails and brimming with 277 passengers, lost engine power near the East River. With no propulsion and strong tidal currents pulling her toward disaster, the Cuauhtémoc was helplessly swept beneath the historic span of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Then came the horror.
The ship’s three towering masts, each reaching 147 feet high, struck the underside of the bridge with terrifying force. In seconds, all three snapped like matchsticks, sending rigging and debris crashing onto the deck. Crew members clung desperately to the tangled ropes, some flung into the river, others crushed beneath the falling spars.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “heart-stopping” and “like a movie gone wrong.” Boaters on the river rushed to aid, and within minutes, the NYPD Harbor Unit, FDNY, and the U.S. Coast Guard swarmed the area, launching a massive rescue effort.
Emergency responders worked into the night, evacuating the wounded and stabilizing the ship. Of the 277 onboard, two sailors tragically lost their lives, and 22 others suffered injuries, several in critical condition.
The historic Brooklyn Bridge — more than 140 years old — was briefly closed but quickly inspected and declared structurally sound.
“The loss of life is devastating,” said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, expressing condolences and thanking New York City officials for their swift response. “This ship is not just a vessel — it is a symbol of Mexican pride and tradition.”
The Cuauhtémoc, launched in 1982 and known globally as the “Ambassador and Knight of the Seas,” has represented Mexico in countless international events. Its visit to New York was part of a ceremonial tour meant to foster friendship — not end in tragedy.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the mechanical failure that led to the loss of control. Preliminary reports suggest a critical engine malfunction left the vessel powerless against the current.
As the Cuauhtémoc is towed to a secure dock for inspection, a city and nation mourn the loss of its sailors — and the haunting memory of the night a proud ship met one of America’s most famous landmarks with deadly consequences.
Source : North Bulletin
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