Brooklyn Bridge Remains Structurally Sound Following Fatal Collision with Mexican Navy Ship

Authorities confirmed on Monday that thorough inspections of the Brooklyn Bridge revealed no structural damage following a collision with a Mexican navy sailing vessel over the weekend. This tragic incident, which occurred Saturday night, claimed the lives of two individuals aboard the ship.

The New York City Department of Transportation provided updates via a post on X shortly before the National Transportation Safety Board commenced a press conference focused on their ongoing investigation.

Commissioner Rodriguez surveyed the bridge soon after the incident, the city agency reported. While inspections are still taking place, initial findings indicate that the load-bearing elements of the bridge are unharmed.

NTSB officials addressed reporters, underscoring that their bridge team from the Office of Highway Safety is collaborating with the NYC Department of Transportation. They confirmed that the bridge remains structurally intact.

NTSB Board Member Michael Graham stated that assessments have confirmed no significant damage to the bridge’s key load-bearing components. He noted that minor damage exists on one of the travel pathways used for bridge inspections, but that it does not compromise the bridge’s structural integrity.

NTSB Investigator Brian Young elaborated on the preliminary timeline of the incident. The Mexican navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc arrived in New York City on May 13 and docked at Pier 17. After approximately four days in port, the vessel departed around 8:20 p.m. on May 17, guided by a tugboat.

Young described the intent of the vessel crew, noting they aimed to navigate south down the East River and eventually head into open waters.

Preliminary investigations considered weather data, indicating prevailing westerly winds of about 10 knots, with a current moving towards the bridge at approximately 0.3 knots. As the vessel gained speed, it reached an estimated 6 knots prior to the incident.

At 8:24 p.m., the ship’s crew initiated a distress call, seeking assistance from nearby tugboats. Just seconds later, the vessel’s mast collided with the Brooklyn Bridge’s underside. Emergency services, including NYPD and FDNY, arrived on scene shortly after the crash, around 8:30 p.m.

The NTSB’s investigative team arrived in New York City the following day, prepared to begin gathering crucial evidence related to the collision.

Graham emphasized the importance of collecting perishable evidence, indicating that this phase of the investigation may span multiple days.

Continuing their investigation, the NTSB has established various teams focusing on nautical operations, marine engineering, bridge structural analysis, and survival factors. They aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the crash dynamics.

Young mentioned the uncertainty surrounding whether the ship contained recording devices, akin to a black box, which could provide valuable data for the inquiry.

In response to a reporter’s question regarding preliminary information from the NYPD suggesting a power outage might have contributed to the collision, Graham expressed skepticism. He stated that investigators have not yet accessed the ship’s engine or any recorded data, making it impossible to confirm the validity of that data.

Throughout their investigation, NTSB officials plan to interview witnesses, ship crew members, and tugboat operators, aiming to build a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s collision with the bridge. They also intend to review local surveillance footage to assist in piecing together the events leading to the crash.

Graham reiterated the preliminary nature of the information shared during the press conference, cautioning that findings may evolve as the inquiry proceeds. He urged anyone with footage of the incident to contact the NTSB, providing a direct means for individuals to assist in the investigation.

In closing, as the investigation unfolds, NTSB officials remain committed to obtaining a thorough understanding of the accident. The complexities involved require a meticulous approach, and investigators will dedicate the necessary time to ensure that all contributing factors are accounted for and understood.