NEW YORK – CWEB News Exclusive
A tragic maritime disaster unfolded Saturday night in New York Harbor as the Mexican Navy’s tall ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in the deaths of two sailors and injuring 22 others, 11 of them critically. CWEB’s exclusive video footage captures the harrowing moments when the 43-year-old training vessel, with masts towering over 147 feet, struck the bridge’s 127-foot clearance, causing its upper rigging to snap and sending crew members dangling from ropes.
The incident occurred during a ceremonial maneuver as the crew, perched atop the masts, performed a traditional farewell while departing the harbor. According to officials, the Cuauhtémoc reportedly lost power just after unmooring. With strong tides and wind, the powerless vessel was pushed upstream into the East River and collided with the Brooklyn Bridge before drifting toward Brooklyn Bridge Park.
CWEB’s exclusive footage shows chaos and heroism in real time: sailors clinging to broken rigging and emergency responders rushing to stabilize the ship. Mexican Navy officials confirmed that 277 crew members were onboard at the time of the crash. Among the two fatalities was cadet América Yamilet Sánchez, whose name was publicly shared in a tribute by Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle García.
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At a press conference on Sunday, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) raised concerns about the lack of harbor support. “A key failsafe wasn’t in place. Tugboats are typically assigned to assist tall ships, especially during ceremonial maneuvers, but none were present for the Cuauhtémoc,” he stated. Schumer emphasized that the ship’s reliance on its power, combined with the strong current, contributed significantly to the accident.
The incident has prompted urgent scrutiny of maritime safety protocols, especially for historic ships navigating complex, modern waterways. CWEB News highlights growing calls for updated regulations and closer coordination between international vessels and harbor pilots.
Authorities from both the U.S. and Mexico have launched investigations into the crash, focusing on mechanical failures, communication systems, and navigational procedures.
As the wrecked rigging of the Cuauhtémoc now rests beneath the Brooklyn skyline, it stands as a solemn reminder of the fine line between tradition and risk at sea.
Watch CWEB’s exclusive video coverage for rare, close-up footage of the collision, rescue efforts, and eyewitness interviews.
