The Mexican Navy ship ARM Cuauhtémoc met with catastrophe during a global goodwill tour, colliding with the Brooklyn Bridge, leading to the deaths of two crew members and injuring many others. Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the accident.
Tragedy Strikes: Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge
Tragedy Strikes: Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge
A goodwill tour turns tragic as the ARM Cuauhtémoc crashes into the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in fatalities and injuries among crew members.
On Saturday night, the Mexican Navy sailing vessel, ARM Cuauhtémoc, faced a devastating moment as it drifted into the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in a catastrophic collision that claimed the lives of two crew members and injured at least 22 others. The ship, which was on a goodwill journey around the world, had 277 individuals aboard, including 175 naval cadets, when the accident occurred.
Among those who lost their lives was 20-year-old cadet América Yamileth Sánchez Hernández and 23-year-old sailor Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos. The tragedy hit close to home for Sánchez Hernández's family, who spoke to reporters about their devastating loss. Rodolfo Hernández, her uncle, recounted how she had happily shared her Central Park photos just a day prior to the incident, leading to profound sorrow upon receiving the news.
While the exact reasons for the accident remain murky, preliminary insights suggest that the ship, measuring 300 feet, may have had its propellers inadvertently engaged in reverse. Eyewitness reports and videos suggested that the vessel did not utilize a tugboat for assistance during navigation, raising concerns and prompting thorough inquiries.
Officials and experts, including U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, have stated that a tugboat seen in footage responded after the collision rather than assisting beforehand. Following the accident, both the Mexican Navy and organizations including the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board launched investigations to ascertain whether mechanical issues, tugboat actions, or human errors played a role in this tragic occurrence.
As the investigation unfolds, the maritime community and the families of those affected anxiously await answers and updates on the status of the remaining crew and cadets involved in this heart-wrenching incident.
