A Mexican Navy training ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge late Saturday, snapping all three of its masts as it collided with the iconic New York City landmark, resulting in injuries to at least 22 people.
Onlookers enjoying the mild spring evening watched in horror as the ship, its sails furled and festive lights adorning its rigging, attempted to pass beneath the bridge. The bridge subsequently sheared off the ship’s masts, sending them crashing into the East River.
The Mexican Navy stated that 22 people aboard the training vessel were injured in the incident, with three reported to be in critical condition.
“No personnel fell into the water, so it was not necessary to activate rescue operations,” the statement added, referring to the accident involving the Cuauhtemoc training ship.
Some US media reports suggested that sailors may have been in the rigging when the ship struck the bridge.
Victims were swiftly transported to local hospitals, according to The New York Post.
Multiple US media reports indicated that approximately 200 people were on the Cuauhtemoc at the time of the collision. The Cuauhtemoc is a barque built in 1982 with a mast height of 48.2 meters (158 feet).
The Mexican Navy, in a separate statement on X, mentioned that the Cuauhtemoc had been engaged in a training maneuver at the time of the “mishap” and sustained damage.
“The Ministry of the Navy reaffirms its commitment to the safety of its personnel, transparency in its operations, and excellence in the training of future officers of the Mexican Navy,” the statement concluded.
