New York: ‘We Heard Screams’ – Shocking Eyewitness Accounts of the Ship Collision on Brooklyn Bridge

A harrowing experience was endured by eyewitnesses to the collision on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, involving an educational vessel from the Mexican Navy. The tragic incident resulted in two fatalities and 19 injured, including two critically. Horrified citizens recounted hearing the deafening sound of the impact and screams as the ship passed under the bridge with sailors atop its mast. “The ship was passing under the bridge when the sails hit it, causing people to fall,” stated Elijah West, who witnessed the horrifying crash. “It was insane. We were standing beneath the bridge and began running. I saw people hanging from the sails. Police boats arrived quickly—about five minutes later—and then guided the ship to Manhattan for rescue operations. It was shocking.” Ismari Romero described the scene: “We heard screams. Many of the sailors were young trainees. People were terrified. There was panic, shouting, and crying. Everyone asked, ‘How could this happen?’” Matt Tibbitts, aboard a nearby vessel, noticed that the ship wouldn’t clear the bridge. “We saw people hanging from the rigging,” he said. Aya Asan, a photographer, was finishing work at Brooklyn Bridge Park when she became a witness. “I couldn’t believe what I saw,” she recalled. Robert Kwiatkowski noted initial cheers turned to screams as the sails struck the bridge. The ship lost power while the captain maneuvered, causing it to drift toward the Brooklyn side, according to NYPD Chief Wilson Arambul. No one fell into the water, sparing further rescue efforts, confirmed the Mexican Navy. The iconic Brooklyn Bridge, connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan since 1883, was briefly closed for about 40 minutes. Minimal damage was reported. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences for the crew members’ deaths, and the Mexican Foreign Ministry assured support for the sailors and communication with local authorities.