Tragedy struck the East River on Saturday evening when the ARM Cuauhtémoc, a tall ship belonging to the Mexican Navy engaged in a global goodwill tour, collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The collision, which occurred at approximately 8:20 PM, resulted in the snapping of the ship’s three masts, the deaths of two crew members, and injuries to several others.
Eyewitness footage captured the dramatic incident, showing the majestic vessel moving stern-first towards the Brooklyn side of the bridge. As the ship continued its reverse trajectory, the tops of its towering masts made contact with the bridge’s span, breaking off in succession.
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Heavy traffic was visible on the bridge at the time of the incident, but authorities have confirmed that no injuries were reported among those on the structure.
The 277 individuals aboard the Cuauhtémoc, which was prominently displaying a large Mexican flag, were thrown into chaos by the impact. Following the collision, the crippled vessel drifted into a pier along the riverbank, prompting onlookers to quickly move away from the scene.
First responders arrived at the location. Images and videos showed several sailors suspended in mid-air, dangling from harnesses attached to the damaged rigging high above the deck, awaiting rescue.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the incident, stating that while the 142-year-old bridge appeared to have avoided significant structural damage, a number of people on board the ship required medical attention.
In an update early Sunday morning, Mayor Adams announced via social media that two of the four individuals who had sustained serious injuries had succumbed to their wounds.
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