NTSB: Engine Failure Possible Cause in Brooklyn Bridge Ship Collision

Vessel Movement and Collision Timeline

• 🗓️ The vessel arrived in New York on May 13th and docked at Pier 17.
• ⚓ On May 17th at 8:20 p.m., the ship began backing away from the pier with tugboat assistance, intending to sail south down the East River.
• 💨 Preliminary weather conditions included dusk, westerly winds of about 10 knots, and a current of 0.3 knots towards the bridge.
• ⬆️ Upon departing the pier, the vessel's stern motion and speed increased to six knots.
• 🆘 At 8:24 p.m., a VHF radio broadcast requested assistance from other tugboats near the Brooklyn Bridge, followed by two more requests.
• 💥 At 8:24 and 45 seconds, the vessel's mast struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge.
• 🛑 The vessel came to a complete stop at 8:27 p.m.
• 🚨 NYPD and FDNY assets were on scene by 8:30 p.m.

Investigation into Possible Causes

• 🔍 The NTSB is investigating engine failure as a possible cause for the collision.
• 🛠️ An engineering group will examine the engine's status, look for any failures, review engine inspections, and interview the crew.
• 💻 If the engine has electronic control modules (ECM), that electronic evidence will also be collected.