The Cuauhtémoc, a magnificent 270-foot training vessel with a crew of 277, collided with the bridge just before 9pm, one of its towering 147-foot masts smashing into the bridge’s road deck, according to sources.
The horrifying impact caused the mast to crash onto the ship’s deck in a terrifying scene captured on video, as shocked park-goers on the Brooklyn side watched. “Oh s–t!” a voice can be heard screaming in the background.
Reports suggest people in the water were rescued and two individuals are in critical condition.
Fire officials have confirmed several victims are being treated for serious injuries, with reports of helicopters overhead, rescue tug boats in the water and emergency services on shore.
Those critically injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, while others were taken to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for urgent care, reports the Mirror.
The Cuauhtémoc, constructed in Spain in 1982, was making a ceremonial stop in New York, offering a preview of the upcoming Sail4th celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary next year.
The full extent of the damage and the number of injuries is still being assessed.
Dean Meminger, TV News Reporter/Anchor for NY1, has stated via his X account that two people are in critical condition.
Posts on X report the crash is being treated as a “mass casualty incident”, with news service NYC Firewire posting this via its X account.
“Manhattan *ALL HANDS* Box 0074 Pier 16 Peck Slip ALL HANDS TRANSMITTED FOR THE BOAT ACCIDENT INTO MANHATTAN BRIDGE. MCI FOR MULTIPLE PATIENTS BEING TRANSPORTED TO THE PIER”.
Reports from NYC Firewire suggest there are people in the water following a boat accident.
Mexico’s Navy, the Cuenta Oficial de la Secretaría de Marina, confirmed the incident via its official account:.
“During the sailing manoeuvres of the Cuauhtémoc sailing vessel in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship and preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being.
“The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support.
“The Secretariat of the Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
