What was meant to be a majestic and traditional maritime moment took a terrifying turn on Saturday, when a Mexican Navy training ship collided with one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks—the Brooklyn Bridge.
The vessel, the Cuauhtémoc, was sailing beneath the bridge as part of a ceremonial greeting when disaster struck.
Sailors were seen high atop the ship’s towering 150-foot masts, participating in a long-standing naval tradition, when the unexpected crash unfolded.
Sailors Dangling in Mid-Air After Impact
Eyewitnesses were left stunned as the Cuauhtémoc smashed into the bridge, shattering parts of its mast and throwing the ceremonial moment into chaos.
Videos captured the jarring scene: masts snapping, parts of the ship collapsing, and sailors who were once standing tall above now clinging desperately to the wreckage.
Some of the sailors were literally dangling from their harnesses after the mast collided with the bridge.
One bystander, Lily Katz, described the harrowing moment to the Associated Press.
She and her friend Sydney Neidell had been watching the sunset when they saw the ship collide with the bridge.
“We saw someone dangling,” Katz recalled. “At first, I wasn’t sure if my eyes were playing tricks on me, but we zoomed in on our phone and there was someone just hanging from the top.
He was up there for at least 15 minutes before they managed to rescue him.”
Passengers and Crew Injured in the Chaos
Authorities responded swiftly with a large-scale rescue operation in the East River.
At least two people were seen being taken off the ship on stretchers and transferred to smaller boats for immediate medical attention.
Officials later confirmed that a total of 19 people had been injured in the accident, with at least four reportedly in critical condition.
Emergency responders transported victims to local hospitals, while some were taken to the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
The Tradition Behind the Tragedy
The sailors involved were taking part in a time-honored ritual known as “manning the yards”—a naval tradition where crew members stand along the ship’s masts as a salute when entering or leaving a port.
It’s a symbol of honor and respect, often seen during formal naval ceremonies around the world.
The Cuauhtémoc, a vessel belonging to the Mexican Navy, is a training ship used for naval cadets.
During such ceremonial entries, crew members typically climb to the highest points of the ship to form a striking visual greeting.
Tragically, that tradition played out just moments before the devastating impact.
Investigation Underway, Mechanical Issues Suspected
In a statement posted to social media, the Mexican Navy acknowledged that the Cuauhtémoc had suffered an accident involving the Brooklyn Bridge and confirmed that it was unable to continue its planned voyage.
They noted that both the condition of the ship’s personnel and the extent of the damage were being assessed in collaboration with local New York authorities.
A mechanical failure is believed to have caused the ship to lose navigational control, leading to the collision.
The Mexican Navy emphasized its ongoing commitment to safety, transparency, and training excellence, stating: “The Secretary of the Navy renews its commitment to the safety of personnel, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Armada.”
Emergency Efforts Continue
As of now, search and rescue operations are still active around the East River.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that emergency teams remain on site and are continuing to coordinate medical assistance and damage assessments.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and recovery of those affected, as both local and Mexican authorities investigate the cause and consequences of the dramatic crash.