Most of the crew that was aboard the Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtémoc that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge — including some who were initially treated for injuries — were announced on Wednesday to be safely back in Mexico, according to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
Following an interagency meeting, discussions were held by the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB, the ship’s contractors and City Hall representatives focusing on the repair efforts on the ship, the crew’s welfare and tow logistics, according to city Office of Emergency Management spokesman Aries Dela Cruz.
“USCG continues to support the vessel and crew of the ARM Cuauhtémoc. The US Navy is coordinating shoreside housing while repairs proceed. All injured crew have been discharged from the hospital and are now safely back in Mexico,” Dela Cruz said. “Final plans for repairing the impacted masts are being prepared for submission to the Coast Guard. A tow plan for the vessel is also in development for USCG review. An underwater hull survey is anticipated for Saturday.”
Repairs are currently underway on the ship as officials wrapped up their damage assessment on Tuesday with marine surveyors and contractors accessing the vessel. The Cuauhtémoc hasn’t sustained any damage to the hull, which would allow it to be moved from Pier 37, on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, with tugboat assistance. The NTSB is also checking if there are any data recorders holding pivotal evidence of how the crash occurred.
The training ship is expected to be towed to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where it will be dry-docked as the investigation continues, OEM officials said Tuesday. With wind and rain halting the process of towing the ship, The Cuauhtémoc is expected to move to a dry dock facility by Sunday.
A vigil was expected to be held for the ship’s two fallen crew members Wednesday afternoon in Brooklyn with Mayor Adams expected to attend.
The two fatalities occurred when the ship’s masts crashed into the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday night. Multiple crew members aloft in the masts were left dangling in the air by their safety harnesses after the East River crash, but no one ended up in the water.
The deceased crew members were identified as America Yamilet Sanchez, 20, and Adal Jair Marcos, 23. Their bodies have been repatriated to Mexico, where a vigil for Sanchez was held.
According to the FDNY, at least 19 of those aboard were treated for injuries, with 11 initially listed in critical condition.
