A tragic accident unfolded in New York City when the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtemoc collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in two deaths and 19 injuries. This article delves into the details of the incident, its aftermath, and celebrates Mexican culture with a traditional taco recipe.
Tragic Collision at Brooklyn Bridge
On Saturday night, the Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, snapping all three masts and causing chaos. New York City Mayor Eric Adams reported that of the 277 people on board, 19 were injured, with two in critical condition, and two crew members tragically lost their lives. The incident occurred at around 8:20 pm when the ship lost power, forcing it toward the bridge abutment on the Brooklyn side, according to NYPD’s Wilson Aramboles.
Footage circulating online captured the ship, adorned with festive lights and a large Mexican flag, attempting to pass under the bridge before the collision sent masts crashing into the East River. Eyewitness Nick Corso, a 23-year-old Brooklyn resident, described “panic on the ship” with “screaming” and sailors clinging to the masts. Another witness, Arturo Acatitla, recounted the sudden collision just seconds after the ship left the dock.
Official Responses and Aftermath
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her grief on X, stating she was “deeply saddened” by the loss of the two crew members. The Mexican Navy confirmed no one fell into the water, and no rescue operations were needed. The Brooklyn Bridge, a vital link between Brooklyn and Manhattan, was closed for 40 minutes but reopened after inspections found no structural damage, according to the New York transport department.
The Cuauhtemoc, a barque built in 1982 with a mast height of 48.2 meters, was en route to Iceland after a celebrated arrival in Manhattan with mariachi and folk ballet. The ship was later moved near the Manhattan Bridge, and the NYPD advised residents to avoid the area due to heavy traffic and emergency vehicles. This incident marks the second deadly ship-bridge collision in the U.S. in just over a year, following the Baltimore bridge collapse in March 2024, which killed six.
Historical Context: The Legend of Cuauhtemoc
The ship is named after Cuauhtemoc, the last Aztec emperor, who resisted Spanish conquest in 1521. A popular Mexican legend claims that Cuauhtemoc’s spirit protects the nation, and some conspiracy theorists speculate that the ship’s crash was no accident but a symbolic “curse” tied to his legacy. While unproven, this tale adds intrigue to the ship’s storied history, as it has sailed worldwide to train naval officers and promote Mexican culture.
Celebrating Mexican Culture: Authentic Taco Recipe
In honor of Mexico’s rich heritage, here’s a recipe for Tacos al Pastor, a beloved dish blending marinated pork with pineapple for a sweet-savory flavor.
Tacos al Pastor Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 3 dried guajillo chiles, seeded
- 2 dried ancho chiles, seeded
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 pineapple, sliced
- 12 corn tortillas
- Chopped onion, cilantro, and lime for garnish
Instructions:
- Soak chiles in hot water for 20 minutes, then blend with pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and cumin to make a marinade.
- Marinate pork in the mixture for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Grill or cook pork on a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Grill pineapple slices until caramelized, then chop finely.
- Warm tortillas, then assemble tacos with pork, pineapple, onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve immediately with your favorite salsa.