Background on the Mexican Training Ship and Its Crew
The Mexican training ship, named Cuauhtémoc, is a significant vessel in the Mexican Navy. It serves as a platform for cadets and naval personnel to gain practical experience at sea. The ship embarked on a seven-month journey from its base in Acapulco, Mexico, on April 6, with the final destination being Islandia. However, due to an unforeseen incident, it ended up colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge instead.
The Crew and Their Background
The Cuauhtémoc was carrying 277 people, including cadets and crew members. Among them was a 24-year-old cadete, the sister of Aldo Ordóñez. Ordóñez, who is based in Mexico City, expressed his confusion regarding the accident, stating that the crew “didn’t know what happened” and that there was no time to react.
The Incident
On Saturday, the Cuauhtémoc set sail from the southern Manhattan pier, attracting hundreds of curious onlookers. The ship was adorned with Mexican and other visiting countries’ flags, creating a festive atmosphere. However, as it approached the Brooklyn Bridge, disaster struck.
Collision with the Brooklyn Bridge
The ship, traveling at a considerable speed, lost power just before colliding with the bridge. The impact caused two of its masts to bend and the central mast to break off. The crew managed to secure the sails, but damage was evident in some areas.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams reported that 19 crew members were injured, with two critically and two fatally due to their injuries. The ship was positioned near a pier close to the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge when the collision occurred.
Investigation and Response
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States announced on Sunday that it had deployed a team of experts to investigate the incident.
The Mexican ambassador to the United States visited the scene on Sunday morning, while the injured, including one with a head bandage, returned to the ship later in the morning. The entire crew was expected to be flown back to Mexico on the same day.
Reactions and Statements
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her sorrow over the “lamentable accident” via social media.
Eyewitness Nick Corso, a 23-year-old Brooklyn resident, described the scene as chaotic. He recounted hearing shouts and seeing crew members clinging to the masts. Although no one was observed falling into the water, there were many people on the ship amidst the panic.
Assessment of Damage and Bridge Integrity
The New York Department of Transportation reported that no structural damage was found on the Brooklyn Bridge following the collision.
Key Questions and Answers
- What happened during the incident? The Mexican training ship Cuauhtémoc lost power and collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in injuries to 19 crew members and fatalities for two.
- Who is investigating the incident? The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States has deployed a team of experts to investigate.
- What was the condition of the Brooklyn Bridge after the collision? No structural damage was found on the Brooklyn Bridge following the incident.
- What were the reactions of authorities and officials? US authorities, including Mayor Eric Adams and the Mexican ambassador, expressed concern and sorrow over the accident. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum also conveyed her regret via social media.
