On Saturday night, a dramatic incident unfolded in New York City when the Mexican navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc ran aground on the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in the death of one of its crew members, Mexican Navy cadet América Yamilet Sánchez. The vessel, which was undergoing training exercises, struck the bridge’s span around 8:20 p.m., causing significant damage to the structure. The collision was captured on video by bystanders, who watched as the ship’s three masts snapped one by one as it continued to press against the bridge.
Sánchez, a cadet from Veracruz, was identified by the state’s governor, Rocío Nahle García, who expressed deep condolences to her family and extended her support. The incident has sparked an ongoing investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other agencies, as officials work to determine the cause of the collision. The ship, which is approximately 297 feet long and 40 feet wide, was in its first year of service in 1982 and is known for its annual training voyages. This voyage, which began in Acapulco on April 6, saw the vessel arrive in New York on May 13, where it was scheduled to remain for several days before proceeding to 22 ports across 15 nations over 254 days.
Following the collision, traffic was halted while officials inspected the damage, with the bridge’s walkway remaining a critical tourist attraction despite the incident. The ship, now damaged, was slowly moved up the East River with the assistance of tugboats, eventually docking at a pier. Authorities are continuing to assess the structural integrity of the bridge, which has seen over 100,000 vehicles and 32,000 pedestrians daily since its construction in 1883.
Sen. Charles Schumer has raised concerns about the state of U.S. Coast Guard staffing, alleging that Trump’s administration disrupted its operations. The Department of Homeland Security has dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the Coast Guard remains fully supported and independent from hiring freezes. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, in an interview, characterized the incident as an accident, avoiding political commentary. New York City’s deputy mayor of public safety, Kaz Daughtry, also referred to the event as an accidental mechanical malfunction, highlighting the need for ongoing investigations and international cooperation in maritime safety.
The tragedy underscores the complexities of international maritime operations and the importance of coordinated investigations to ensure the safety of both personnel and infrastructure. As the NTSB and other agencies continue their work, the incident remains a focal point for discussions on navigational protocols and the responsibilities of both national and international authorities in managing such scenarios.