Background on the Mexican Training Ship Cuauhtémoc
The Mexican training ship Cuauhtémoc is a significant vessel in the Mexican Navy’s training program. It embarks on extensive voyages to provide cadets with practical maritime experience across various international ports. The ship’s name honors Benito Juárez García, a prominent Mexican politician and president, symbolizing Mexico’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The Accident
On May 17, the Cuauhtémoc collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York, causing substantial damage estimated at over $500,000, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States. The report, however, does not establish the cause of the accident.
Details of the Collision
- The ship was traveling with 277 crew members on board.
- Two cadets, América Yamileth Sánchez (20) and Adal Jair Maldonado (23), tragically lost their lives in the accident.
- Nineteen others sustained injuries.
The collision resulted in significant damage to the ship’s upper sections of the masts, including the mizzen mast, main mast, and gaff. The rudder post was deformed, and the rudder was positioned perpendicularly to the starboard side of the vessel.
Pre-Collision Preparations
Before departure, the captain confirmed that all propulsion and steering systems were in good working order with no deficiencies. Both the captain and two pilots involved in the departure process underwent alcohol and drug tests, which yielded negative results.
The Voyage
The Cuauhtémoc set sail from Cozumel on May 3 and arrived in Manhattan on May 13, where it remained at anchor for four days as part of its 254-day training journey encompassing 15 countries.
Prior to heading to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, the ship planned to refuel at a Brooklyn pier.
Impact on the Brooklyn Bridge
Fortunately, the Brooklyn Bridge—a major New York City tourist attraction—did not suffer any significant structural damage, according to authorities.
Post-Collision Actions
Following the accident, the Cuauhtémoc was towed to a local shipyard for repairs. The NTSB stated that the investigation will continue, focusing on examining the propulsion system, operational control system, crew experience and training, as well as operational policies and procedures.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was involved in the accident? The Mexican training ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, resulting in the tragic loss of two cadets and injuries to 19 others.
- What was the extent of the damage? The collision caused over $500,000 worth of damage to the Cuauhtémoc, primarily affecting its upper mast sections and rudder.
- What were the pre-collision preparations? The captain confirmed that all systems were functioning correctly, and alcohol and drug tests on the crew members yielded negative results.
- What was the Cuauhtémoc’s voyage itinerary? The ship embarked on a 254-day training journey, visiting 15 countries including the United States. It was en route to Reykjavik, Iceland, when the accident occurred.
- Did the Brooklyn Bridge sustain damage? No significant structural damage was reported on the Brooklyn Bridge following the collision.
- What are the next steps in the investigation? The NTSB will examine the propulsion system, operational control system, crew experience and training, as well as operational policies and procedures to determine the cause of the accident.
