FB Tango (-)
Calif. Bear Dispatch
West Coast Bureau
The Barn, Capitola 95010
To. Media, TBA
Fm. Hayes, Field Correspondent
Subj. Brooklyn Bridge--Maritime Accident Investigation--Command Chronology
Encl. (1) fwd herewith, all attachments included
1. Brooklyn Bridge Maritime Accident:
a. Organizational Data on Investigation
Agencies Involved
A comprehensive, multi-agency investigation is underway following the collision of the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc with the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025.
2. The principal agencies and organizations involved include:
a. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB):
(1) Dispatched a specialized "go-team" to lead the federal investigation into the incident.
(2) The NTSB is responsible for probing significant transportation accidents in the U.S. and is coordinating with other agencies and international partners.
b. U.S. Coast Guard (USCG):
(1) Actively involved in both the immediate response and ongoing investigation.
(2) The Coast Guard established a safety zone around the incident site, is providing technical guidance on repairs, and is assisting with the investigation into navigational protocols and vessel traffic service (VTS) operations.
c. New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM):
(1) Convened an interagency meeting that included the Mayor's Office, Fire Department of New York (FDNY), New York Police Department (NYPD), New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
d. New York Police Department (NYPD):
(1) Conducting round-the-clock patrols in the designated safety area and participating in the investigation, particularly regarding the vessel’s loss of power and the sequence of events during the crash.
e. Fire Department of New York (FDNY):
(1) Responded to the incident and is involved in ongoing safety and rescue operations.
f. Mexican Authorities:
(1) Including the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR), the Mexican Ambassador to the U.S., and the Mexican Consulate General in New York. Mexico will participate in the NTSB-led investigation as the incident involved a Mexican naval vessel and Mexican fatalities.
g. New York City Department of Transportation (DOT):
(1) Inspecting the Brooklyn Bridge for structural damage and supporting the investigation.
Personnel and Investigation Structure
3. Responsibilities
a. The NTSB "go-team" typically includes specialists in marine operations, engineering, human factors, and data recorders, though specific team composition for this incident has not been detailed publicly yet.
b. The U.S. Coast Guard’s local command is providing both investigative and operational support, including maritime safety enforcement and technical advisement to the ship’s crew on repairs and safe movement.
c. NYPD Special Operations Division officers, such as Chief Wilson Aramboles, have provided public briefings and are actively investigating the loss of vessel power and crew injuries.
d. Interagency coordination is being managed through NYC Emergency Management, ensuring that all relevant city and federal agencies are aligned in their investigative and operational efforts.
4. International and Political Oversight
a. Mexican government officials, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, are monitoring the situation and providing support to affected crew and families.
b. U.S. political figures, such as Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, have raised questions about possible systemic issues, including Coast Guard staffing and the functionality of the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), which may be reviewed as part of the investigation
PART II. NARRATIVE SUMMARY
1. Narrative Summary of the Ongoing Brooklyn Bridge Maritime Accident Investigation (17 May 2025)
a. On the evening of Saturday, May 17, 2025, a major maritime accident occurred when the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge while departing New York City for Iceland.
b. The incident unfolded just before 8:30 p.m. as the vessel, carrying 277 people, lost power during a ceremonial departure from the South Street Seaport, causing it to drift backward and strike the underside of the bridge.
2. Sequence of Events
a. The Cuauhtémoc, a tall ship with three masts reaching up to 160 feet, was in the midst of a ceremonial send-off, with sailors standing on the yards of the masts.
b.
Witnesses and video footage captured the ship moving rapidly in reverse toward the Brooklyn side of the East River, ultimately crashing into the bridge.
c. The collision snapped all three masts, leaving sailors dangling by wires and causing debris-including mast sections and rigging-to fall onto the deck.
d. The most seriously injured were those stationed on the masts at the time of impact.
3. Casualties and Immediate Impact
a. Two sailors were killed, and at least 19 to 22 others were injured, with several in critical condition.
b. All casualties were crew members; no one on the bridge or in the water was reported injured.
c. Emergency responders quickly secured the scene, and the injured were taken to Bellevue Hospital.
d. The Brooklyn Bridge itself sustained no structural damage, and after inspection, traffic was allowed to resume.
3. Investigation and Safety Measures
a. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an immediate investigation, dispatching a go-team to New York City to determine the cause of the accident.
b. Preliminary reports from officials, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, indicate that the ship lost power due to a mechanical failure, leading to the loss of navigational control.
c. The U.S. Coast Guard established a 50-yard safety zone around the damaged ship, now docked at Pier 36, and halted commercial maritime traffic between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges as a precaution.
d. The NYPD is conducting round-the-clock patrols in the designated safety area.
4. Ongoing Investigation
a. Federal and local authorities are examining the mechanical failure and other contributing factors, including turbulent waters reported at the time of the incident.
b.
Investigators are reviewing video evidence, crew statements, and ship maintenance records to piece together a comprehensive account of the accident.
c. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as officials gather more information and analyze the ship’s systems and operational protocols.
d.
This tragic event has drawn international attention, with condolences expressed by both U.S. and Mexican officials.
e. The focus now remains on uncovering the root causes of the accident and ensuring maritime safety in one of the world’s busiest urban waterways.
PART III. TECHNICAL ASPECTS
1. Current direction and speed , East River, NYC
a. The current direction and speed of the East River in NYC vary due to its nature as a tidal strait.
(1) The East River's current regularly changes direction and is subject to strong fluctuations, influenced by tides connecting Upper New York Bay to Long Island Sound.
(2) Typically, the tidal current floods (flows) north and east and ebbs (flows) south and west.
Currents in the East River can often reach speeds of 5 knots or more, especially around areas like Roosevelt Island and Hell Gate, where currents can be as strong as 5 knots.
(3) The exact current direction at any moment depends on the tidal cycle, with flood currents moving north/eastward and ebb currents moving south/westward.
(4) For precise current direction and speed at a specific time on May 18, 2025, one would consult tidal current tables or real-time tide/current prediction services such as NOAA, which provide detailed timing for slack water and current changes at key points like Hell Gate.
2. In summary:
a. Current direction alternates with the tide: flooding north/east, ebbing south/west.
(1) Current speeds can reach about 5 knots in strong flow areas.
Real-time current conditions depend on tidal timing and location along the river.
(2) No direct real-time current data for May 17, 2025, was found in the search results, but these general patterns and speeds apply to the East River's tidal currents.
length of time to travel in water 1000 feet at 6 mph
3. Estimated Time from Departure to Collision
Summary:
a. The Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc struck the Brooklyn Bridge on the evening of May 17, 2025, shortly after departing its Manhattan dock.
b. Based on eyewitness accounts, official statements, and reported timelines, the estimated time from leaving the dock to the collision is likely less than 30 minutes, and possibly as little as 10–15 minutes.
4. Supporting Details:
a. The incident occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. Eastern Time, as reported by multiple sources.
(1) The ship had "only just departed a pier in Manhattan and was intended to head out to sea, not towards the bridge," according to NYPD Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles.
(2) The vessel left from a pier near the South Street Seaport (Pier 17 or Pier 35), which is located on the East River, just south of the Brooklyn Bridge.
(3) The distance from these piers to the Brooklyn Bridge is roughly 0.3 to 0.5 miles (about 500–800 meters).
(4) Eyewitnesses and video footage confirm the ship was seen moving in reverse toward the bridge almost immediately after leaving the dock, suggesting a rapid sequence of events.
b. Officials cited a mechanical failure or loss of power as the likely cause, which caused the vessel to drift into the bridge soon after departure.
5. Estimated Timeline:
a. Departure:
(1) Shortly before 8:20 p.m. from Pier 17 or Pier 35.
(2) Collision: Around 8:20 p.m., with the ship striking the bridge after drifting in reverse.
(i) Given the short distance and the immediate nature of the mechanical issue, it is reasonable to estimate that the ship left the dock less than 15–30 minutes before the collision-and possibly as little as 10 minutes, depending on the exact time of departure and speed of drift.
PART IV. CIVIL AFFAIRS
1. Major News Headlines and Press Coverage
a. CBS News:
(1) "Brooklyn Bridge hit by Mexican navy training ship, 2 dead, 19 injured, officials say" - Coverage details the incident, the ship losing power, and the response from city officials and emergency services.
b. AP News:
(1) "Mexican tall ship strikes Brooklyn Bridge, snapping masts and killing 2 crew members" - Focuses on the destruction of the ship’s masts, the rescue of sailors, and statements from Mayor Eric Adams.
c. CNN:
(1) "Cuauhtémoc ship: Mexican Navy training ship strikes underside of Brooklyn Bridge" - Reports the death toll and injuries, with updates from city officials.
d. Washington Post:
(1) "Mexican naval ship rams into Brooklyn Bridge, killing 2 and injuring 19" - Details the ship’s loss of control and the aftermath for the crew.
e. ABC News:
(1) "2 dead, 19 injured after Mexican Navy sailboat crashes into Brooklyn Bridge, mayor says" - Highlights the lack of structural damage to the bridge and the ongoing investigation by the NTSB.
f. New York Post:
(1) "Mexican navy tall ship slams into Brooklyn Bridge, 23 hurt" - Provides eyewitness accounts and dramatic descriptions of the collision and rescue efforts.
2. Social Media Reaction
a. Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with immediate reactions of shock and disbelief as videos and photos of the incident circulated widely.
b. Eyewitnesses posted real-time updates, with some sharing photos taken moments before the collision and expressing their astonishment at the scale and drama of the event.
(1) Users highlighted the peril faced by sailors seen dangling from the rigging and expressed prayers and concern for those on board.
c. Notable Quotes from Social Media:
(1) "2 min after I took this photo this ship hit the Brooklyn bridge. Saw the whole thing. Insne, - @Keeyahtay.
(2) "I'm still in shock, right underneath the #BrooklynBridge - my hands are still shaking. Omg I really pray everyone is ok. #MexicanSailingShip. #Dumbo #NYC #Brooklyn - #cuauhtemoc #hip #Prayers, - Anonymous user.
d. Trending Hashtags
(1) #BrooklynBridge
(2) #Cuauhtemoc
(3) #MexicanNavy
(4) #NYC
(5) #Dumbo
(6) #Prayers
e. These hashtags were used to share updates, eyewitness accounts, and prayers for the victims, quickly trending in the aftermath of the crash as the public sought information and expressed solidarity.
3. Conclusion
a. The Brooklyn Bridge accident involving the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc on May 17, 2025, received extensive press coverage and triggered a massive response on social media, with hashtags like #BrooklynBridge, #Cuauhtemoc, and #MexicanNavy trending as the public shared live updates, videos, and messages of support for those affected.
PART V. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS.
1. Summary Table: Key Agencies and Roles
| Agency/Organization | Role in Investigation |
|---|---|
| National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) | Lead federal investigation; dispatched go-team |
| U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) | Maritime safety, technical guidance, VTS review, enforcement |
| New York City Emergency Management | Interagency coordination, emergency response |
| New York Police Department (NYPD) | Site security, patrols, investigative support |
| Fire Department of New York (FDNY) | Emergency response, rescue operations |
| NYC Economic Development Corp., MTA | Support and logistics |
| NYC Department of Transportation | Bridge inspection, structural assessment |
| Mexican Navy, Embassy, Consulate | Support to crew/families, participation in investigation |
2. Summary Table: Key Incident Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | May 17, 2025 |
| Incident | Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc hit Brooklyn Bridge |
| Time | ~8:26 p.m. |
| Fatalities | 2 crew members |
| Injured | 19 (several critically) |
| Cause | Loss of power/mechanical failure |
| Bridge Damage | No structural damage reported |
| Social Media Response | Shock, disbelief, trending hashtags, viral eyewitness videos |
3. Synthetic Intelligence Queries. Perplexity AI
4. Images. (a) https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7052779,-73.9988571,605m/data=!3m1!1e3?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDUxMy4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
(b) https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:-73.992/centery:40.707/zoom:16
5. Report prepared by. Hayes, Field, Capitola Barn
End of Report
UNCLASSIFIED
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