A ginormous sailboat got itself into a bit of a pickle by crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17. The incident took place on a Saturday evening, causing quite a stir and leaving at least four people in critical condition. Sources from the police department have confirmed the unfortunate event that unfolded on the East River.
The vessel involved in the mishap was a Mexican naval ship named Cuauhtémoc, famous for its majestic masts and sails. As it navigated along the East River, disaster struck when one of its towering masts collided with the Brooklyn Bridge around 9 p.m. Eyewitnesses like Jack Cassidy recounted the terrifying moment when the ship made impact with the bridge, causing a collapse that plunged individuals into the water. Cassidy mentioned that the sailors were harnessed to the mast, but sadly, they were unable to free themselves before the fall.
The Cuauhtémoc was in town to promote sail operations in connection with the upcoming American sesquicentennial celebrations next year. The ship’s presence was meant to be a symbol of pride and joy, but the unexpected collision turned the event into a somber affair. With 277 passengers on board during the crash, a total of 30 individuals sustained injuries, with four of them in critical condition. The NYPD and FDNY sprang into action, conducting a rescue and recovery operation to assist the victims at Pier 16. The mayor, Eric Adams, expressed his concern and promised to investigate the incident further to understand what went wrong.
Not really sure why this matters, but the Brooklyn Bridge had to be closed in both directions for inspections following the collision. Traffic delays were expected as authorities worked to ensure the safety and integrity of the iconic structure. Despite the chaos and confusion that ensued, the bridge was eventually reopened around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night. The situation, although grave, brought out the best in the first responders and the community as they rallied together to support those affected by the unfortunate accident. Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking news story as it unfolds.
