A Mexican Navy ship, The Cuauthémoc, collided into the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, May 17th. Two people were reported dead and at least 22 injured according to ABC News. Officials identified the two sailors killed in the crash as América Yamilet Sánchez and Adal Jair Marcos. Reports also from ABC News state that the captain lost power and control of the ship causing it to crash into the Brooklyn bridge. The ship headed in the wrong direction where it was never intended to sail. According to the New York Times, Officials are conducting an investigation to find out what mechanical issues cased the ship to crash into the bridge.
People in our Ramapo District felt very sympathetic and very concerned about what had happened on that ship to cause such a severe accident. A freshman at Ramapo High school, Josephine Mohn, heard about the accident and had a strong reaction. She stated that, “I feel very sad, but it was very surprising that they would have people standing on the masts of the ship while they were on the open waters, and even under the bridge” .Lots of people were very concerned of why there were people so high up on the ship as it was running towards the bridge. The New York Post states that the two people who were killed were harnessed and trying to steer the ship in the correct position, but did not work.
A staff member at Ramapo, Mr. Nangle, had a reaction to the tragedy. “ I feel that the accident with the ship and the Brooklyn Bridge was a tragic accident that no one would think could have happened. I don’t have all the information but there has to be ways to stop something like this tragedy from happening again. This accident could have been much worse, especially if it had caused structural damage to the Brooklyn Bridge” he commented. Mr. Nangle also had very strong feelings for the people who were injured and the two brave people who were killed. He also comments that, “I feel horrible for those two individuals and their families, as well as all those that were injured during this accident. You hope that you see nothing like this happen but hope that those that were injured will receive the medical care they need to get better. I also hope the families get answers as to why this happened so that it can be prevented in the future”.
Senator Chuck Schumer states at a news conference reported by the New York Times, “There are many more questions than answers as to how the accident occurred and where it could have been prevented”. Investigations are still underway and all are cooperating with authorities to put together the pieces of why this happened and so it will never happen again. The Cuauthémoc ship tragedy is heartbreaking for many. People are coming together, setting up vigils, and leaving flowers and candles for their loved ones who were killed or severely injured. At times like these, we as a community need to support each other and put in the effort to make sure that something as tragic as this will never happen again.
