Mexican Navy Ship Made No Distress Call Before Brooklyn Bridge Crash, Says Navy Chief
The Mexican Navy’s training vessel, Cuauhtémoc, which collided with New York’s Brooklyn Bridge over the weekend, made no distress call prior to the crash, according to Mexico’s Navy Chief, Raymundo Morales. Instead, the crew called for support shortly before the incident, Morales confirmed on Tuesday during a press conference with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The accident occurred shortly after sunset on Saturday as the majestic white sailing ship departed from Pier 17 in Lower Manhattan, travelling along the East River. The vessel, a frequent sight in international ports and known for its ceremonial and training roles, was being manoeuvred by a port pilot at the time of the crash. Morales noted that the ship had been docked a short distance from the bridge, leaving minimal time to avoid the collision.
“We cannot speculate at this time whether the port pilot properly used all measures available,” Morales said, as questions continue to swirl about how the ship came to strike the bridge.
The tragic crash left two cadets dead and 20 others injured. Two of the injured cadets remain hospitalised in New York with severe injuries, although Morales stated that their lives are not in danger and they are expected to be released by Wednesday. The bodies of the deceased cadets were flown back to Mexico on Monday and have since been returned to their families.
US authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, examining potential causes such as engine failure and the involvement of a tugboat that was assisting the ship’s departure. Officials have indicated that the investigation will take at least 30 days to complete.
President Sheinbaum assured that Mexico’s Navy and the ship’s insurance provider would fully cooperate with U.S. investigators. “Of course, it will count on the collaboration and support of the Navy and the insurance company responsible for the ship,” she said.
As the investigation unfolds, both nations are working closely to determine what went wrong and to support the injured and bereaved.
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