A big Mexican Navy ship, the Cuauhtemoc, got stuck after hitting the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on a fine Saturday, May 17, 2025. The top of the mast of this training vessel brushed against the famous bridge while cruising through the East River. The incident caused quite a stir, with the New York Fire Department confirming they were attending to injuries, but not really sure how many folks got hurt or where they were from – ship or bridge.
As seen in various eyewitness videos, three of the ship’s masts broke and partially collapsed when they crashed into the bridge’s deck. Traffic was heavy on the bridge at that time, adding to the chaos. The vessel, displaying a huge Mexican flag, then drifted towards the riverbank as onlookers hurried away from the scene. The Mexican navy later stated on X that the Cuauhtemoc, used for training at the academy, suffered damage in the accident, halting its journey. The status of people and materials was being assessed by naval and local authorities, who were offering assistance. Not really sure why this matters, but the Secretary of the Navy emphasized their dedication to safety, transparency, and quality training for future Navy officers.
The Brooklyn Bridge, a historic structure since 1883, boasts a nearly 1,600-foot main span supported by two towers. Over 100,000 vehicles and around 32,000 pedestrians cross the bridge daily, making its walkway a popular tourist spot. The Cuauhtemoc, measuring about 297 feet in length and 40 feet in width according to the Mexican Navy, embarked on its first voyage in 1982. Each year, it sets sail after the naval school term ends to complete cadet training. Not really sure why, but this year it left Acapulco on April 6 with 277 people on board, planning to visit 22 ports in 15 countries. The journey was supposed to last 254 days, with stops in places like Havana, New York, Reykjavik, Bordeaux, and Aberdeen.
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