NEW YORK, NY – New Yorkers watched in disbelief as a Mexican Navy training ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in a tragic accident that claimed two lives and left 11 others critically injured. The vessel, named Guatemok, was on an international goodwill tour when it struck the underside of the iconic bridge.
The ship’s towering masts, measuring 160 feet, were unable to clear the bridge’s 127-foot navigational clearance, leading to the catastrophic impact. Witnesses reported seeing the ship drifting backward, powerless and out of the captain’s control, before the collision.
Video footage captured by onlookers and shared widely on social media showed the harrowing moments leading up to the accident. Sailors were seen clinging to the masts, attempting to reach safety, as the ship crashed. One sailor was left dangling from a rope after the mast collapsed.
The vessel, which had departed from Pier 17, was intended to sail south out of New York Harbor with a scheduled refueling stop at the Brooklyn waterfront en route to Iceland. However, it veered off course and headed in the wrong direction, ultimately striking the bridge.
New York City authorities, including Mayor Eric Adams, the NYPD, and FDNY, addressed the media, confirming that the ship’s captain lost control after the vessel lost power. The Office of Emergency Management is investigating the incident in collaboration with Mexican and U.S. governments.
Sailors from the Guatemok were seen walking on the deck of the ship, which is now docked at Pier 36. It’s unclear if they will remain onboard as the investigation continues. The accident has left a profound impact on those who witnessed it, many of whom initially believed it was a surreal scene unfolding in front of their eyes.
Mexican President Claudia Shinbound expressed her condolences and announced that her government is working closely with U.S. authorities to determine the cause of the accident. The Mexican Navy’s goodwill mission has been overshadowed by the tragedy, as the focus shifts to the recovery and support of those affected.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of navigational safety and highlights the challenges of maneuvering large vessels in busy waterways. As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about the decisions made by the ship’s crew and the circumstances leading up to the crash.