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Is Mexican Navy ship 30 feet higher than Brooklyn Bridge clearance? Fresh details emerge amid ongoing probe

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offered her condolences to kin of the two crew members who lost their lives in Brooklyn Bridge tragedy.

Updated on: May 18, 2025, 18:56:29 IST
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offered her condolences to kin of the two crew members who lost their lives after Mexican Navy sailing ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday.

The Brooklyn Bridge tragedy occurred only sixteen months after a huge cargo ship struck Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024. (Getty Images via AFP)
The Brooklyn Bridge tragedy occurred only sixteen months after a huge cargo ship struck Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024. (Getty Images via AFP)

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in New York Harbor. Our sympathy and support go out to their families,” Sheinbaum wrote in a post on X on Sunday.

She further said that the Mexican Consulate General and Ambassador to the United States are assisting the Mexican Navy in aiding individuals injured in the event. The ship, which was in New York as part of a global goodwill trip, was heading to Iceland at the time of the tragedy.

“We are monitoring the situation, and the Secretary of the Navy will continue to provide updates,” Sheinbaum added.

Is Cuauhtémoc ship 30 feet higher than Brooklyn Bridge clearance?

The Cuauhtémoc ship comprises a three-masted barque with a steel hull that is approximately 300 feet long and 160 feet tall, as per a news release.

Records from the government indicate that the Brooklyn Bridge has a 127-foot navigational clearance.

The Heroic Naval Military School, a top military college in Mexico, used the Cuauhtémoc sailing ship for training.

Mexico described the ship as a diplomatic symbol of its nation overseas.

Also Read: Viral video shows how New Yorkers joy turned into horror when Mexican ship hit Brooklyn Bridge: ‘My hands are shaking’

Voyage data recorder to reveal key details about crash?

According to a transportation expert who spoke to CNN, the voyage data recorder from the Mexican Navy ship will yield crucial details about what went wrong.

The data recorder will probably give detectives details about the ship's mechanics, including any “control input,” as well as when power could have blown out, according to Mary Schiavo, as per former inspector general at the US Department of Transportation. Additionally, it might offer details about the river itself, such its depth and currents.

Schiavo further stated that the investigators might already possess the data and it could be in the process of examining it. According to her, they will have to investigate whether there was ever a breakdown in communication.

As the US agency is accustomed to conducting extensive, global investigations, Schiavo announced that Mexico will be a part of the National Transportation Safety Board's probe into the tragedy.

A reminder of Baltimore Bridge collision

The Brooklyn Bridge tragedy occurred only sixteen months after a huge cargo ship struck Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024.

The 1.6-mile structure collapsed as a result of the catastrophe, sending vehicles and people into the icy lake below. Six construction workers were killed when the Singaporean-flagged cargo ship, Dali, lost power, swerved off course, and crashed into the bridge.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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