As we highlighted yesterday, a bizarre accident caused a Mexican Naval vessel to hit the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge while crowds looked on from a pier and traffic drove overhead on the bridge.
Scores of Mexican naval cadets were standing on the masts and rigging of the Cuauhtémoc training ship, as part of a ceremonial tradition during the ship’s departure from New York Harbor.
On tall ships like the Cuauhtémoc, it is customary for sailors, especially cadets, to climb the masts and stand on the yardarms (horizontal beams) when entering or leaving a port. This practice, known as “manning the yards,” serves both ceremonial and training purposes.
It showcases naval discipline, honors the host port, and allows cadets to demonstrate their skills in managing sails and rigging, which are integral to their training on such vessels.
The ship was in New York as part of a global goodwill tour, and the cadets were positioned aloft to perform this traditional display for spectators.
The ship reportedly lost power, causing it to drift under the bridge which was too low for it, resulting in the masts holding the sails snapping and sending cadets, and debris flying.
Many were caught up in the ropes and their own harnesses, left dangling with serious injuries, with two of them tragically dying.
The NTSB announced an immediate investigation to find out what went wrong.
Chuck Schumer, however, wasted no time in attempting to politicize the tragic accident.
Taking to X, the Senate Minority Leader insinuated that the Trump Administration is to blame.
Hellbound and Down 