Mexican navy training Tall Ship crashes into bridge in NYC!

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Squidly-Diddly, May 18, 2025.

  1. Squidly-Diddly
    Joined: Sep 2007
    Posts: 2,009
    Likes: 187, Points: 63, Legacy Rep: 304
    Location: SF bay

    Squidly-Diddly Senior Member

    While the whole crew was standing all over the rigging with lights everywhere. Two dead, lots injured. https://x.com/dwnews/status/1924048504730628365

    Engine failure or tow line snapped or something. Brooklyn Bridge OK. Can't wait to hear from who was in charge of this, but we probably never will. At least that scaffold under the bridge didn't detach and crash down.

    Would an olde school "tall ship" upper masts and rigging be pretty easy to repair, even after all smashed up? I assume it was done routinely after battles with simple hand tools and literate helpers and only one or two skilled carpenters.

    I say just cut down a couple trees and float them out to the ship with a hand saw and chisel and let them figure it out.
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2025
  2. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
    Posts: 3,024
    Likes: 1,130, Points: 113
    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    I've seen six videos of the incident now.
    It would appear the S/V was stuck in reverse.
    No safety line to the tug?
    No anchors dropped?
    No engine shut down to stop reverse thrust?
    Not a good day for Mexico's tall ship.
    Several crew in critical condition.
     
    bajansailor likes this.
  3. Squidly-Diddly
    Joined: Sep 2007
    Posts: 2,009
    Likes: 187, Points: 63, Legacy Rep: 304
    Location: SF bay

    Squidly-Diddly Senior Member

    you'd think having a strong current set to drag you under a nearby structure much lower than your vessel would have everyone alert, nervous and "sweating blood".
    "beware the Lee Shore"
     
    BlueBell likes this.
  4. rwatson
    Joined: Aug 2007
    Posts: 6,263
    Likes: 539, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 1749
    Location: Tasmania,Australia

    rwatson Senior Member

    There was NO strong current or wind. You can see the ship powering in reverse towards the bridge in one video.


    The Tug had just finished pushing the bow downstream, and had no hope of getting astern to help.

    The initial inquiries point to a reversible prop control problem.
     
    bajansailor likes this.
  5. Squidly-Diddly
    Joined: Sep 2007
    Posts: 2,009
    Likes: 187, Points: 63, Legacy Rep: 304
    Location: SF bay

    Squidly-Diddly Senior Member

    seems like a crazy number of things to go wrong and no action from skipper. Wouldn't having someone ready to drop anchors be SOP when ship handing in fairly close quarters? I get how an engine could die and not restart fast enough, like with the other bridge crash, but what would prevent shutting off the engine?

    They gonna say it was prop, rudder issues AND a runaway diesel? And clutch? I'd bet this was some extra-curricular unauthorized peacocking by the captain that went sideways.
     
  6. BlueBell
    Joined: May 2017
    Posts: 3,024
    Likes: 1,130, Points: 113
    Location: Victoria BC Canada

    BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

    Now the focus is all about blame, ridiculous.

    I believe this is a classic case of bridge ( wheelhouse ) mismanagement.
    Situational conflict between the Pilot and the Captain.
    Completely understandable and avoidable.

    Almost 5 minutes between leaving the dock and hitting the bridge.
    No anchors, no engine shut down, no tug intervention.
    Lives lost, serious trauma, both mental and physical, to all involved.

    It reminds me of how terrible the statistics are for tall-ships.

    A sad, sad day for the Mexican Navy.

     
  7. rwatson
    Joined: Aug 2007
    Posts: 6,263
    Likes: 539, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 1749
    Location: Tasmania,Australia

    rwatson Senior Member

    Of course its about blame.
    Every tragedy is a result of some sort of fault(s), either human or mechanical.

    The comment "Completely understandable and avoidable." is pretty simplistic, since no-one has any idea what transpired yet. It might very well be totally unavoidable. So any "I believe this is a classic case of bridge ( wheelhouse ) mismanagement." is totally speculative and uninformed.

    Also, the comment "Almost 5 minutes between leaving the dock and hitting the bridge" is pretty irrelevant.

    The REAL issue is that last two minutes, when the order for "half ahead" was given, and the engine power got applied in reverse, instead of forward.

    That could have been any of half a dozen totally unforeseen mechanical issues, as a perusal of the comments from experienced sailors will reveal.
     

  8. braoun
    Joined: May 2025
    Posts: 3
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Algeria

    braoun New Member

    It's tragic, especially with the crew at the top of the rig. But yes, historically the masts were often replaced at sea or in port with few means. A good carpenter, straight trees, and courage were often enough. I hope they can fix it without too much modern bureaucracy.

     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Loading...
Similar Threads
  1. Bullshipper
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    1,694
  2. FranV
    Replies:
    8
    Views:
    2,905
  3. Squidly-Diddly
    Replies:
    23
    Views:
    6,166
  4. mustafaumu sarac
    Replies:
    5
    Views:
    2,601
  5. Squidly-Diddly
    Replies:
    24
    Views:
    5,900
  6. Doug Lord
    Replies:
    2
    Views:
    2,591
  7. rasorinc
    Replies:
    5
    Views:
    2,810
  8. speed50
    Replies:
    11
    Views:
    12,479
  9. El_Guero
    Replies:
    146
    Views:
    26,298
  10. Squidly-Diddly
    Replies:
    13
    Views:
    3,330
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.