New York City – Just 30 minutes ago, a heart-wrenching maritime accident shook the East River as a Mexican Navy sailboat collided head-on with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. While the city reels from the shocking event, one survivor, visibly shaken but alive, has begun to share what happened in those terrifying moments.
“The boat seemed to be on autopilot,” he said, clutching a thermal blanket handed to him by rescue personnel. “No one was on the wheel. We shouted, we tried everything—horns, signals—but it was too late.”
The vessel, part of a goodwill naval tour promoting international cooperation and training, had been docked in New Jersey earlier this week. Crowds had gathered along the waterfront to catch a glimpse of the ship’s elegant sails and naval crew. But this morning’s voyage took a tragic turn.
According to early reports, the sailboat—named Libertad del Mar—was attempting to navigate the river under calm conditions. Witnesses on the bridge and along the waterfront described the scene as eerily silent. “It looked like something out of a movie,” said a jogger who was nearby. “The boat was headed straight toward the bridge, and no one was reacting.”
Emergency services responded within minutes. Fireboats, helicopters, and NYPD marine units swarmed the scene. As of now, six crew members have been rescued from the waters, with two in critical condition. Divers continue to search for others who may be missing.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Preliminary speculation suggests that an autopilot malfunction or navigational error may have played a role. Mechanical failure hasn’t been ruled out.
Mayor Carla Raymond arrived on-site and addressed reporters briefly. “This is a dark day for New York and for our international partners in the Mexican Navy. We are working closely with all relevant agencies to understand exactly what happened and to support the survivors.”
The Brooklyn Bridge itself has sustained minor structural damage. Authorities have closed it temporarily to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic as engineers assess the integrity of the historic structure.
Families of the crew have been notified, and the Mexican Consulate in New York has established a crisis response center to support those affected. “Our hearts are with the families of the brave sailors,” said a spokesperson.
The survivor, who asked not to be named, ended his recount with a haunting sentence: “I remember someone yelling, but the rest was just crashing metal, screaming… and cold water.”
As night falls over the city, what was meant to be a routine naval demonstration has become a tragedy marked by silence, confusion, and sorrow. The full story is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: this day will be remembered in both New York and Mexico for years to come.
