Both victims ID'd in Mexican navy ship crash into Brooklyn Bridge
NTSB investigates Brooklyn Bridge ship crash: FULL UPDATE
NTSB officials gave an update into their investigation of the Mexican Navy ship crash into the Brooklyn Bridge. They said they will look closely at the crew, the condition of the ship and environmental factors, like wind and current.
NEW YORK CITY - Two people were killed, and 19 others injured, after a Mexican navy ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge over the weekend.
The Cuauhtémoc, a training vessel with a 147-foot mast, was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations over 254 days – 170 of them at sea. It had been in New York since May 13 and had welcomed visitors for several days. Officials said the boat was stopping in New York but headed to Iceland.
The latest: Investigation update
NTSB officials gave an update on their investigation of the Mexican Navy ship crash on Monday, saying they will look closely at three areas: the crew and crew options, the condition of the ship and environmental factors, like wind and current.
Timeline:
According to NTSB officials, the sailboat departed Pier 17 with the assistance of a tugboat around 8 p.m. Shortly before the crash, the vessel began taking on speed and requested the assistance of other tugboats.
"We haven't had a chance to do any interviews at this point. We need to interview the tug pilot, the harbor pilot, the captain of the ship," said NTSB board member Michael Graham.
Former merchant mariner on the Mexican naval ship collision
FOX 5 NY's Michelle Ross speaks with former merchant mariner Dr. Sal Mercogliano about the Mexican Navy ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge.
Footage of a tall ship crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge shows the vessel hurtling into the span in reverse at full speed, suggesting the captain lost control of the engine. There are also questions about whether the tugboat escort peeled away too soon and should have stayed with the vessel until it headed out to sea, Sal Mercogliano, a former merchant mariner, told the Associated Press.
They said an investigation could take up to two years, but a preliminary report will be released within 30 days.
The collision: What happened?
According to officials, the sailboat – with 277 passengers on board – left Pier 17 on Saturday around 8:20 p.m., just minutes before it crashed into the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Man on Brooklyn Bridge during deadly boat crash: 'Chaos on the masts'
Good Day New York speaks with Kelly Kopp, who describes an atmosphere of 'confusion and fear' as the Mexican Naval vessel struck the Brooklyn Bridge.
Video shows the large sailboat, with three towering masts and a waving Mexican flag, plowing into the bridge, as shocked onlookers are heard screaming, "Oh my God." The ship snapped its three masts. The vessel then drifted into a pier on the riverbank as onlookers scrambled away.
Several sailors were on the masts at the time of the collision and thrown off. One video appears to show a person dangling from a broken mast. Remarkably, no one fell into the water, officials said.
FOX 5 NY's Michelle Ross spoke with former merchant mariner, Dr. Sal Mercogliano, to discuss the footage of the ship crashing into the bridge.
Former merchant mariner on the Mexican naval ship collision
FOX 5 NY's Michelle Ross speaks with former merchant mariner Dr. Sal Mercogliano about the Mexican Navy ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge.
"It appears… the ship went backwards instead of forwards," Mercogliano said. "The combination of the ship's propulsion, the wind and the current sent the ship toward the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge."
He also explained why there were crewmembers on the mast, telling Ross that they were harnessed to man the rail, otherwise known as "dressing the ship," to show the vessel saluting the country they are leaving.
Was the Brooklyn Bridge damaged?
What they're saying:
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer held a press conference to discuss details regarding the incident.
"Our hearts go out to the people of Mexico and those who lost their lives and who are injured," Schumer said. "I've spoken to the New York City DOT – the Brooklyn Bridge was not damaged and traffic can freely flow."
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum also posted about the collision, expressing her sympathy for the family members of the two crew members who died and thanking New York City Mayor Eric Adams for his support.
Who are the victims?
Dig deeper:
According to FOX News, Veracruz Gov. Rocío Nahle García identified one of the deceased as a cadet as América Yamilet Sánchez of Xalapa in an X post Sunday.
"I deeply regret the passing of Veracruz cadet América Yamilet Sánchez," the governor wrote in a translated post. "My love, support, and solidarity go out to her family. My gratitude to the @SEMAR_mx and my wishes for a speedy recovery for those injured. Veracruz is with you."
Meanwhile, the New York Post identified the other victim as Adal Jair Marcos of Oaxaca.
What we don't know:
It’s unknown exactly what led up to the crash, but FOX 5 NY's Stephanie Bertini reports that when the ship crashed, it was maneuvering through turbulent waters. The tide had just turned, and a fast current was heading up the East River at around 10 mph in a wind set. The ship was heading in the wrong direction, according to officials at the time of the crash.
About the Brooklyn Bridge
The backstory:
The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600-foot main span supported by two masonry towers. More than 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross every day, according to the city’s transportation department. Its walkway is a major tourist attraction.