A tragic maritime accident occurred as the tall ship Cuauhtémoc, carrying 277 people, struck the underside of a bridge in New York while en route to Iceland as part of a global goodwill tour. The ship’s 147-foot masts collided with the structure, causing them to collapse and resulting in multiple injuries and two fatalities.
Authorities confirmed the deceased as a 21-year-old naval cadet from Veracruz and a crew member from Oaxaca. As of Sunday, two individuals remain in critical condition, and 22 others were reported injured in the aftermath of the impact.
Cause and Ongoing Investigations
Initial reports suggest the vessel experienced a power loss while departing from Manhattan. This mechanical issue, coupled with navigational misjudgment, caused the ship to veer off its intended route. Officials noted the Cuauhtémoc was not authorized to pass under the bridge where the collision occurred. Marine conditions, such as tide levels, may have contributed further to the miscalculation.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed a team of experts in marine navigation, engineering, and safety to lead a full investigation. A press conference has been scheduled for May 20 to share preliminary findings. Simultaneously, the vessel’s country of origin has initiated its own review to assess internal procedures and responsibilities.
Public Response and Tributes
Across communities, there has been an outpouring of grief and support for the victims and their families. Local governments and officials have issued statements of condolence and pledged full cooperation with the investigations. Friends and families of the victims have also called for clarity and accountability, urging authorities to determine exactly what went wrong and prevent future tragedies.