Insights Unveiled: New Findings on the Brooklyn Bridge Sailboat Incident from NTSB Report

image Credits: screengrab from video by ABC News.

A recent report from federal investigators has shed light on the tragic incident involving the Mexican Navy’s tall ship, Cuauhtémoc, which collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on May 18, 2025. This unfortunate event resulted in the loss of two lives among the crew and left over a dozen others injured out of the 277 individuals aboard.

While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still piecing together what led to this accident, their preliminary findings have outlined key events that transpired. However, it may take more than a year for a thorough final report to be released.

Among these new insights is facts about damage sustained by Cuauhtémoc; specifically, there were scratches along its left side and a rudder that was bent at an odd angle.Interestingly, local harbor pilots communicated commands in English before they were translated into spanish for the crew—a detail that remains inconclusive regarding its impact on the crash.

The timeline reveals that approximately ninety minutes prior to collision time—around 7:02 p.m.—a sea pilot boarded followed by a local pilot at around 7:45 p.m. the captain assured both pilots that all systems related to propulsion and steering were functioning properly.

Things escalated after Cuauhtémoc was untied from its dock at 8:16 p.m., shortly followed by assistance from a tugboat. The docking pilot instructed it to reverse; these commands were relayed in Spanish through various crew members until they reached those operating on the navigation bridge.

As Cuauhtémoc began moving backward and cleared some distance, it received orders to stop and then proceed forward slowly. However, as events unfolded rapidly around 8:23 or 8:24 p.m., its backward speed unexpectedly increased just before impact—reaching nearly six knots or over six miles per hour when it struck the bridge.

Earlier reports suggested mechanical failure might have contributed to this mishap; though, videos captured by witnesses show dramatic moments as masts adorned with lights collided with this iconic structure while crew members clung desperately onto them post-impact for safety. Fortunately, initial assessments indicate that Brooklyn Bridge itself did not suffer notable damage during this incident.

Video Credits: ABC news

References: ABC News