Horrific moment ship smashes into Brooklyn Bridge killing at least two people as sailors hang on to mast
Two people have been killed after a Mexican navy training ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on Saturday (May 17).
The 297-foot Cuauhtémoc ship, which had 277 people on board, veered into the iconic bridge.
Footage circulating online shows the ship's masts clip the Brooklyn Bridge as it passed underneath the New York City structure.
Authorities say crew members were standing on the masts as they snapped and fell to the deck.
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A further 19 people have been left injured from the incident.
Lily Katz was sat outside watching the sunset when the ship collided with the bridge.
Recalling what she saw, Katz told The Associated Press: "We saw someone dangling, and I couldn’t tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them."
Nick Corso was also enjoying sunset on Saturday evening and decided to take a photo of the ship in the backdrop of a wonderful view.
But the area quickly turned into a flood of panic, as he described to AFP how there was 'lots of screaming, some sailors hanging from the masts'.
Traffic was halted on the Brooklyn Bridge following the crash, but after an inspection it quickly reopened as officials determined the New York landmark had not suffered any substantial damage.
Why did the Mexican navy ship crash into the Brooklyn Bridge?
Wilson Aramboles, New York's police chief said the ship had left a pier in Manhattan and was not meant to head towards the bridge.
But an initial report has said the ship lost power due to a mechanical problem.
The masts were too tall to clear the Brooklyn Bridge, so they ultimately toppled as the vessel attempted to sail in reverse under the bridge.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement released on Twitter: "Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge.
"At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries.
"We are praying for everyone on board and their families and are grateful to our first responders who quickly jumped into action, ensuring this accident wasn’t much worse.
"Following our preliminary inspection, we can confirm that the bridge sustained no damage and is now open to the public."
Meanwhile, Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico, added: "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.
"The Navy, with the support of local authorities, is currently treating the wounded. The Mexican ambassador to the United States and staff from the Mexican Consulate General in New York are supporting the Navy.
"I thank New York Mayor Eric Adams for all the support he has provided to our fellow citizens. We are monitoring the situation, and the Navy will continue to provide updates."
Callum Jones