The Secretary of the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) has confirmed that a New York port pilot was in control of the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc when it collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on the night of May 17, resulting in the deaths of two cadets.
Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles explained that, under international regulations, the ship had to be guided by a specialized pilot from the New York state government. The Cuauhtémoc, used both as a training vessel and for diplomatic missions, adheres to these international protocols. “All its trips are carried out according to international standards,” emphasized President Claudia Sheinbaum during a press conference.
The accident occurred as the ship, carrying more than 180 people, was preparing to depart New York City after arriving on May 13. While it’s still unclear if the pilot had the necessary tools to avoid the crash, Morales Ángeles noted that the time frame for response was likely only 80 to 90 seconds.
He added that the distance between the ship and the bridge may have been too short to allow a proper reaction. A full evaluation is underway to determine whether the issue was due to timing or external conditions.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard. Early reports suggest that mechanical failure and towing difficulties may have contributed to the incident. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.
President Sheinbaum reaffirmed Mexico’s cooperation with U.S. authorities and stated that the government will wait for official findings before making any further assessments.
Of the injured, two wounded cadets remain hospitalized in New York, but their condition is reported to be stable. The bodies of the two deceased cadets were repatriated to Mexico on Monday, where they received a tribute at the Naval Military School in Veracruz before being returned to their families.