Background on the Mexican Navy Training Ship “Cuauhtémoc”
The Mexican Navy Training Ship “Cuauhtémoc” (BE-01) is a significant vessel operated by the Secretaría de Marina (Semar). It has been a prominent symbol of the Mexican Navy since its launch in 1982, serving as a platform for training and diplomacy for over 43 generations of Mexican mariners. The ship embodies the values of Honor, Duty, Loyalty, and Patriotism.
The Incident: Collision with Brooklyn Bridge
On the afternoon of Saturday, May 17, the “Cuauhtémoc” experienced an accident while conducting a departure maneuver from New York. The training ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the vessel and temporarily halting its international voyage.
Approximately 300 people, including cadets and crew members, were on board for the “Consolidation of Mexico’s Independence 2025” cruise, commemorating the bicentennial of Spain’s final expulsion from Mexican territory, solidifying the country’s independence on November 23, 1825.
Injuries and Response
As a result of the collision, 22 crew members sustained injuries. Nineteen were transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention, while three suffered significant injuries. Fortunately, no equipment fell into the water, and rescue operations were not required.
Naval and local authorities are currently assessing the condition of both the ship and its personnel, providing necessary support. The Director of the Heroic Naval Military School has already contacted the families of the cadets on board, while the Commander of the Eighth Naval Region maintains communication with the families of the crew to ensure timely and accurate information dissemination.
The “Consolidation of Mexico’s Independence 2025” Cruise
The “Cuauhtémoc” set sail from Acapulco, Guerrero, on April 6 as part of the “Consolidation of Mexico’s Independence 2025” cruise. This voyage aimed to honor the bicentennial of Spain’s final expulsion from Mexican territory, which consolidated the country’s independence on November 23, 1825.
Over a span of 254 days (170 at sea and 84 in port), the cruise was scheduled to visit 22 ports across 15 countries.
This edition of the cruise included 147 cadets from the Heroic Naval Military School and a total of 277 crew members (64 women and 213 men).
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is the “Cuauhtémoc”? The “Cuauhtémoc” is a Mexican Navy training ship that has been in service since 1982. It symbolizes the Mexican Navy and serves as a platform for training and diplomacy.
- What happened during the cruise? The “Cuauhtémoc” collided with New York’s Brooklyn Bridge during a departure maneuver, causing damage to the ship and temporarily halting its international voyage.
- How many people were injured? Twenty-two crew members sustained injuries, with 19 requiring hospitalization and three suffering significant injuries.
- What is the purpose of the “Consolidation of Mexico’s Independence 2025” cruise? This cruise commemorates the bicentennial of Spain’s final expulsion from Mexican territory, solidifying the country’s independence on November 23, 1825. It aims to strengthen the training of future naval officers, foster international cooperation, and promote peace and goodwill from the Mexican people.
