Posted on 05/18/2025 6:52:02 AM PDT by Morgana
Mexican sailors were seen dangling from a navy training vessel's main mast moments after the ship smashed into the Brooklyn Bridge.
The sailors had been standing atop the Cuauhtémoc's 150-foot masts in the lead up to the ship striking the iconic structure on Saturday as part of a traditional greeting.
The massive Navy vessel, reportedly carrying nearly 300 passengers, hit the iconic New York City bridge, triggering a colossal rescue response and leaving two dead and dozens more severely injured.
In multiple eyewitness videos, the towering masts are seen snapping and partially collapsing as they crash into the bridge's deck. Sailors perched high above are thrown into chaos, with some seen clinging to the shattered beams high up in the air.
Bystanders Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz told the Associated Press they were sitting outside watching the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge and one of its masts snap.
Looking closer, they said they noticed someone hanging from high on the ship.
'We saw someone dangling, and I couldn't tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them,' Katz said.
They reported seeing two people taken off the ship on stretchers and transferred to smaller boats.
The Navy personnel had been standing on the masts of the Mexican Navy ship as part of a ceremonial greeting and show of respect upon entering a port.
This tradition, known as 'manning the yards,' is a longstanding maritime custom practiced worldwide.
The sailors aboard the Cuauhtémoc appeared to have been engaged in this time-honored ritual during the harrowing crash.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Piasa is right... don’t be mean. This reflects badly on our community.
Even Jesus said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone...” Which of you is perfect and never made a mistake in their lives?
Do better than this...
Not even our navy could make such a screw up.
The Mexican training ship was pulled from its berth out into deeper water. Everything went as planned and the tug pulled away. But within minutes the Mexican ship lost power and began drifting backward, unable to counter the current.
The sailors at the top would’ve noticed that they weren’t going to make it under the bridge. I wonder if they reported it? I wonder what the Captain said.
The ship was a training vessel? Looks like they had best go back to Mexico(and take all personnel back with them) and do a little more training. Maybe there is more to this story????
Terrible video.
The rumble video is from the stern— the ship was trying to reverse course against the incoming tide (coming in from the bay). If they did not have an engine backup running with enough power they could not swing around and go into the incoming tide and then, would be swept into the bridge at tidal speed.
Why was there no harbor pilot, 1 and 2, did the Mexican navy not have the figures for freeboard passage under the bridge at any tidal level (keel to top of mast, to clear the underside of the bridge at ANY tide time, said tidal schedules are posted for any location online).
This is incredibly stupid to not know all this well in advance of proceeding up the river. A tragedy for sailors at the top of the mast falling into/on the Brooklyn bridge.
“donde vamos uno vamos todos”
Engine does not appear to be engaged. The tide pushed the ship into the bridge. Stern hit the bridge drifting on rapid tidal speed.
Thanks for posting.
“Bridges? bridges? We don’t need no stinkin’ bridges!”
Ah, similar minds.
“Mexican Navy still using sail boats to train? Planning for Waterworld?”
A sail boat that large, the captain should have known it was too big for the bridge.
Yes why are they still using sail boats? is this 1825 or what?
What was the Tug Boat doing? They lost contact with the ship and thus could not have backed the ship away against the tide.
This tugboat business is in a hell of a lot of trouble. Bankrupt like for the liability. The tug from that view is standing (no perceptible tow or hawser line) way off from the vessel.
ready, observing their surroundings
So the sailors on the masts at bridge level are the most idiotic
“But within minutes the Mexican ship lost power and began drifting backward, unable to counter the current.”
Lost power? It’s a freaking sail boat! It gets it power from wind in the sails. Please don’t tell me ... NOOOOO
To bad they didn’t use them the motor failed crash ensues so much for training.
Not to mention not knowing of bridge clearance.
Is the surviving crew all accounted for...?
Anyone AWOL...?
They heard it was for sale and wanted a closer look
Well, at least we know the US doesn’t need to fear a sea threat from the south
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