Mexican Navy Training Vessel Strikes Brooklyn Bridge in NYC

• Ship strikes the bridge while attempting to pass beneath it.
• No crew members fell into the water, according to the Mexican Navy.
• Injured individuals were transported to local hospitals, reports the NY Post.

NEW YORK: A Mexican Navy training vessel crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge late Saturday night, breaking all three of its masts as it impacted with the well-known New York City landmark, resulting in injuries to at least 22 people.

Witnesses enjoying the pleasant spring evening looked on in shock as the ship, adorned with its sails furled and festive lights hanging from its rigging, attempted to navigate under the bridge, which severed the masts and caused them to plummet into the East River.

The Mexican Navy reported that 22 individuals aboard the training ship sustained injuries, with three in critical condition.

“No crew members fell into the water, so rescue operations were not activated,” added the statement following the incident involving the Cuauhtemoc training vessel.

Some reports from U.S. media indicated that sailors were in the rigging when the ship collided with the bridge.

According to The New York Post, those injured were quickly taken to local hospitals.

Reports indicate that approximately 200 people were aboard the Cuauhtemoc, a barque constructed in 1982, which has a mast height of 48.2 meters (158 feet) at the time of the accident.

The Mexican Navy stated that the Cuauhtemoc was engaged in a training maneuver when the incident occurred and referred to it as a “mishap.”

The Navy reassured that it remains committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel and maintaining transparency and excellence in training future officers.