A collision between a Mexican navy tall ship and the Brooklyn Bridge resulted in the deaths of two naval cadets, marking an unprecedented event since its construction in 1883. Despite prior instances of vessels colliding with the bridge, this incident represents the first time fatalities occurred onboard due to such a crash. The bridge’s height has long presented risks to taller boats, a concern recognized since its construction. Historians note previous collisions but emphasize the significance of this tragedy as it underscores ongoing navigation hazards.
"That's the first and possibly only time where there's been a fatality onboard of a ship that struck the Brooklyn Bridge," said Dominique Jean-Louis, chief historian at the Center for Brooklyn History.
Historians say Saturday's crash appears to be the first boat collision with the bridge to take the lives of crew members, highlighting a longstanding hazard for seafarers.
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