FB Tango (-)
Barn Bureau
Capitola 95010
18 May 2025
To. Media, TBA
fm. Hayes, Field Correspondent
Subj. Brooklyn Bridge--Cuauhtémoc Accident -- Preliminary Inquiry Narrative
Encl (1) one copy herewith, immed. dist.
1. Board of Inquiry Participants
a. Current Status:
A formal investigation into the collision is underway. The following entities have been confirmed as participants or are leading the inquiry:
(1) National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB):
The NTSB announced on Sunday, May 18, that it was dispatching a "go-team" to New York City to investigate the incident. The NTSB is the primary federal agency responsible for investigating major transportation accidents in the United States.
(2) Mexican Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR):
The Mexican Navy, which owns and operates the Cuauhtémoc, has pledged full cooperation and transparency in the investigation and is conducting its own internal review in coordination with U.S. authorities.
b. New York City Agencies:
(1) New York Police Department (NYPD): The NYPD, including its Harbor Unit and Special Operations Division, responded to the scene and is assisting with the investigation.
(2) New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT): The DOT has been inspecting the bridge for structural damage and is involved in the post-collision assessment.
(3) Fire Department of New York (FDNY): The FDNY provided emergency response and medical assistance to the injured.
(4) United States Coast Guard (USCG):
The Coast Guard responded to the scene and is expected to participate in the federal investigation, particularly regarding maritime navigation and vessel traffic control.
2. Other Notable Mentions:
a. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer publicly called for scrutiny of Coast Guard staffing and vessel traffic services as part of the investigation, but is not a formal participant.
b. Mayor Eric Adams has been briefed and is expected to be involved in oversight but is not a direct member of the investigative board
PART II. NARRATIVE SUMMARY
1. Brooklyn Bridge Collision: Narrative Update (17 May 2025)
a. Overview of the Incident
(1) On the evening of May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc, a three-masted tall ship carrying 277 people, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on New York City’s East River just before 9 p.m.
(2) The collision resulted in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to at least 19–22 others, with several in critical condition
2. Sequence of Events
a. The Cuauhtémoc was participating in an international goodwill mission and was preparing to depart New York for Iceland
(1) The ship was seen approaching the Brooklyn Bridge from the wrong direction, reportedly moving backward at the time of impact
(3) All three of the ship’s 147-foot-tall masts struck the underside of the bridge and snapped, sending debris-including parts of the masts, rigging, and lights-falling onto the deck
(4) Eyewitnesses and bystanders captured dramatic footage of the incident, showing sailors clinging to the rigging and some left dangling from harnesses for up to 15 minutes before rescue
(5) The ship appeared to strike scaffolding or a gantry under the bridge, which swung visibly after impact
(6) Despite the chaos, no one fell into the water, and all injuries occurred on board
3. Victims and Response
a. Among the deceased was América Yamileth Sánchez, a 20-year-old cadet from Veracruz, Mexico
b. Emergency responders treated the injured at Pier 17 at South Street Seaport and Pier 36, where the ship was later docked for assessment
4. Cause and Investigation
a. Preliminary reports indicate the Cuauhtémoc lost power and mechanical function, causing the captain to lose control as the current pushed the ship into the bridge
b. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), U.S. Coast Guard, and Mexican authorities have launched a joint investigation, which is still in its early stages
c. Early indications suggest a mechanical failure was a key factor, but the full cause remains under review
Aftermath and Next Steps
d. The Cuauhtémoc will be moved to another location for repairs while the investigation continues
e. Vessel traffic in the area is being closely monitored, with nearby ships instructed to proceed at slow speed
f. The Mexican government and New York City officials have expressed condolences and are cooperating on the ongoing investigation and support for the injured and families of the victims
PART III. TECHNICAL ASPECTS. THE RUDDER
1. Hypothetical Scenario Overview
a. On 18 May 2025, a large vessel (let’s assume a cargo ship or passenger ferry) experiences a critical situation while navigating under the Brooklyn Bridge.
(1) The captain, faced with imminent collision, chooses to keep the rudder straight, resulting in a head-on impact with the bridge structure.
(2) There is a suggestion that if the captain had instead turned the rudder, the vessel could have struck the bridge broadside (starboard side), risking capsize.
2. Maritime Collision Dynamics
a. Rudder Position and Impact Angle
Rudder Straight (Head-on Impact):
(1) By keeping the rudder straight, the captain ensures the vessel meets the obstacle bow-first.
(2) The bow is structurally the strongest part of most ships, designed to withstand the rigors of waves and occasional impacts.
(3) A head-on collision, while dangerous, localizes damage and reduces the risk of catastrophic hull breach or capsizing.
b. Turning the Rudder (Broadside Impact):
(1) If the captain had turned the rudder, causing the vessel to strike the bridge on its starboard side, the ship would have presented a much larger, less-reinforced surface to the impact.
(2) A broadside collision can cause extensive structural damage, breach watertight compartments, and-crucially-destabilize the vessel, increasing the risk of capsizing, especially if the impact is forceful and sudden.
c. Risk of Capsizing
(1) Capsizing Factors:
Ships are designed to remain upright under most circumstances, but a large lateral force (such as a broadside collision) can overcome stability, especially if water floods in rapidly or cargo shifts.
(2) The risk is much greater with a broadside hit than with a head-on impact.
(3) Historical Precedents:
Maritime accidents like the Costa Concordia grounding (2012) demonstrate how side impacts can lead to catastrophic flooding and eventual capsizing.
(4) Captain’s Decision: Analysis
Keeping the Rudder Straight:
This is generally considered the safer maneuver in a no-win collision scenario.
(5) The bow’s strength and the vessel’s forward momentum mean energy is absorbed more efficiently, and the risk of rolling or capsizing is minimized.
d.
Turning to Avoid:
(1) While instinct might suggest swerving to avoid a direct hit, doing so at the last moment can be more dangerous, especially if it results in a broadside collision.
e. Conclusion
(1) In this scenario, the captain’s decision to keep the rudder straight likely prevented a much worse outcome.
A head-on collision, while serious, is less likely to result in capsizing than a broadside impact. The vessel’s design favors absorbing impacts at the bow, and the risk to passengers, crew, and the ship’s integrity is reduced compared to the alternative.
3. Summary of the Cuauhtémoc Collision with the Brooklyn Bridge (May 17, 2025)
a. On the evening of May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge while departing New York City.
b. The incident resulted in the destruction of the ship’s three masts, the deaths of two crew members, and injuries to at least 20 others, several of them critically.
c.
Key Details of the Incident
(1) The Cuauhtémoc was carrying 277 people as part of a goodwill and training voyage, departing from South Street Seaport after a four-day stopover in New York.
(2) As the ship began its departure maneuver around 8:20–8:26 p.m., it lost power and began moving rapidly in reverse toward the Brooklyn side of the East River.
(3) The ship’s three 147-foot masts struck the underside of the bridge, breaking off sequentially and causing significant damage to the rigging and masts.
(4)
Eyewitnesses and video footage confirmed that the ship was traveling in the wrong direction and appeared unbalanced, with some cadets on the rigging at the time of impact.
4. Rudder Position and Ship Handling
a. There is no direct mention in the search results about the specific position of the Cuauhtémoc’s rudder at the moment of the collision. However, the following can be inferred based on the available information:
(1) The ship lost power prior to the incident, which would have severely limited its ability to maneuver, including the use of its rudder.
(2) The ship was observed moving quickly in reverse, “dragged under the Brooklyn Bridge,” suggesting a loss of propulsion and steering control.
(3) In such circumstances, it is standard maritime practice to keep the rudder amidships (parallel to the hull) when power is lost, as this minimizes unintended turning and drift.
(4) This would be consistent with the ship continuing in a straight, uncontrolled path into the bridge.
5. Official Investigation
a. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other authorities have launched an investigation to determine the precise sequence of events and contributing factors, including mechanical failure, human error, and environmental conditions.
b. As of now, the root cause of the ship’s loss of control and whether the rudder was intentionally kept parallel to the hull has not been officially confirmed in public statements or reports.
6. Conclusion
a. The Cuauhtémoc’s collision with the Brooklyn Bridge was precipitated by a sudden loss of power, which left the vessel unable to maneuver and resulted in it drifting rapidly in reverse into the bridge.
b. While there is no explicit confirmation regarding the rudder’s position, the circumstances suggest it was likely kept parallel to the hull as per standard procedure during a loss of power, which would explain the ship’s straight, uncontrolled movement into the bridge.
c. The official investigation is ongoing and may provide further technical details in the future.
7. Scenario: Cuauhtémoc Loses Power, Rudder Set Amidships Before Brooklyn Bridge Collision
Background
a. On May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc, a three-masted barque, was departing from the South Street Seaport in Manhattan, bound for Iceland with a brief stop planned in Brooklyn.
b. The vessel was carrying 277 people as part of a ceremonial departure when the incident occurred.
c. Sequence of Events
(1) Shortly after departure, Cuauhtémoc experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure, specifically a loss of power and steering.
(2) According to the ship's captain, the rudder stopped working, leaving the vessel unable to steer.
(3) At the time of the failure, the rudder was reportedly set amidships (centered), meaning the ship could only move in the direction it was already heading or drift according to external forces such as current and wind.
d. The East River was experiencing strong tidal currents and a 10 mph wind, both of which can make navigation challenging, especially for a powerless vessel.
Without propulsion or steering,
(1) Cuauhtémoc began drifting backward (stern-first), pulled by the river's current and wind.
(2) The lack of control meant the ship could not avoid obstacles or correct its course.
(3) The vessel rapidly moved in reverse toward the Brooklyn Bridge. Videos and eyewitness reports confirm the ship was moving quickly in reverse as it approached the bridge.
(4) All three of Cuauhtémoc's tall masts struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge, breaking off sequentially.
(5) The collision caused significant damage to the ship and resulted in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to at least 19 others.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, and the ship was later docked at Pier 36 for investigation and repairs.
8. Key Contributing Factors
Loss of Power:
a. The mechanical failure left the ship adrift, unable to maneuver under its own power.
b. Rudder Set Amidships: With the rudder centered and no engine thrust, there was no way to alter the ship's heading, leaving it at the mercy of the current and wind.
c. Environmental Conditions: Strong currents and wind accelerated the vessel's uncontrolled movement toward the bridge.
d. Tugboat Escort: There are questions about whether the tugboat escort departed too soon, as a tug could have provided critical control during the power loss.
PART IV. CIVIL AFFAIRS
1. Expert and Official Opinions on the Cause of the 17 May 2025 Brooklyn Bridge Ship Collision
a. Summary of Official Statements and Media Analysis
(1) Multiple officials, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Chief Wilson Aramboles, have publicly stated that the primary cause of the collision was a mechanical failure aboard the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc.
(2) The ship reportedly lost power and mechanical function while maneuvering on the East River, which left it unable to control its course as it drifted into the Brooklyn Bridge
(3) Chief Aramboles specifically noted that the loss of power, combined with the river current, caused the ship to strike the bridge, resulting in the snapping of its three masts and serious injuries and fatalities among the crew
b. The Mexican Navy also acknowledged in social media posts that the vessel was damaged during a sailing maneuver, consistent with the mechanical failure narrative
c. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an official investigation and dispatched a team to New York City, but as of May 18, 2025, no detailed findings have been released
2. Social Media and Eyewitness Accounts
a. Eyewitness videos widely circulated on social media captured the dramatic moments as the ship’s masts, decorated with lights, collided with the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge. Several crew members were seen dangling from the rigging after the impact
b. Social media commentary and initial news coverage echoed the official explanation, focusing on the reported mechanical failure and loss of ship control as the immediate cause
c. Some media outlets and social media users speculated about the potential role of turbulent waters or strong currents in the East River, but this was generally mentioned as a contributing factor rather than the primary cause
3. Ongoing Investigation
a. The NTSB and local authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and further technical details about the mechanical failure or other contributing factors (such as crew error or environmental conditions) are expected to be clarified in the coming days
4. Key Points from Expert and Media Consensus
a. Primary Cause: Sudden loss of power/mechanical function on the Cuauhtémoc, preventing effective maneuvering
b. Contributing Factor: Strong river currents may have exacerbated the situation, pushing the powerless ship into the bridge
c. No Structural Damage: Preliminary inspections found no major damage to the Brooklyn Bridge itself
d. Investigation Status: NTSB investigation underway; official, detailed findings pending
e. At this stage, both expert and official opinions in mainstream and social media converge on mechanical failure as the root cause, with environmental factors possibly contributing, but the final authoritative explanation awaits the NTSB’s full investigation.
PART V. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
1. Summary Table: Key Board of Inquiry Participants
| Entity/Agency | Role in Investigation |
|---|---|
| National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) | Lead federal investigator |
| Mexican Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR) | Internal review, cooperation with U.S. |
| NYPD (Harbor Unit, Special Ops) | Local law enforcement, scene investigation |
| NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) | Bridge inspection, infrastructure assessment |
| FDNY | Emergency response, medical aid |
| United States Coast Guard (USCG) | Maritime safety, navigation investigation |
2. Summary Table. Rudder
| Maneuver | Impact Type | Risk of Capsizing | Likely Damage | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rudder Straight | Head-on (bow) | Low | Bow damage | Safer, more controlled |
| Rudder Turned | Broadside | High | Side/hull breach | Risk of capsize |
3. Synthetic Intelligence Inquiries. Perplexity AI
4. Image. https://civitavecchia.portmobility.it/en/cuauthemoc-vessel-until-27-july-port-civitavecchia
5. Report prepared by. Hayes, Capitola Barn 95010
End of Report
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