Officials have disclosed the reason behind a ship crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in injuries to 19 individuals. The Cuauhtémoc vessel, carrying 277 people, collided with the iconic New York City landmark on May 17. The incident unfolded due to a mechanical mishap, as announced by New York City Mayor Eric Adams during a press conference following the crash.
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According to Mayor Adams, the pilot of the Cuauhtémoc lost control of the ship shortly after it departed from Pier 17. Chief Wilson Aramboles of the New York Police Department’s Special Operations Division revealed that the ship was on its way to Iceland at the time of the collision. Ydanis Rodriguez, the New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner, confirmed that a preliminary assessment found no significant damage to the bridge following the impact.
The crash left a total of 19 people injured, with four individuals sustaining serious injuries. Fortunately, there were no reports of anyone falling into the water during the incident. Eyewitness videos circulating on social media captured the dramatic moment when the ship’s masts collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing sections of the vessel to break apart. Onlookers expressed shock as people hanging from the broken structures were seen following the collision.
The Mexican navy, responsible for the Cuauhtémoc vessel, acknowledged the mishap in a statement and mentioned that efforts were underway to assess the condition of personnel and equipment. Despite the damage inflicted on the ship, naval and local authorities assured their commitment to ensuring the safety of all individuals involved and maintaining transparency throughout the operation. Subsequent reports confirmed that all individuals onboard were believed to have been safely evacuated and accounted for.
Following the collision, emergency responders swiftly conducted a search and rescue operation, with NYPD divers retrieving injured individuals from the scene. Manhattan Borough President Mark D. Levine provided updates on the situation, revealing that DOT officials were assessing the bridge for potential structural damage. Fortunately, there was no immediate need to close the bridge as investigations into the incident continued.
The Cuauhtémoc had arrived in New York City earlier in the week and was stationed at Pier 17 for public tours. The vessel, constructed in Bilbao, Spain, in 1981, has a rich history and serves as a training ship for the Mexican Navy. As authorities work to determine the full extent of the damage and investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges and risks involved in maritime operations within bustling urban environments.
As the dust settles on the dramatic collision between the Cuauhtémoc vessel and the Brooklyn Bridge, authorities and maritime experts are left to unravel the sequence of events and implement necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The resilience and quick response of emergency personnel and officials played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of those impacted by the unforeseen crash.