NTSB Investigators Board Mexican Navy Ship After Brooklyn Bridge Crash

Investigation into Brooklyn Bridge Crash

• 🚢 NTSB investigators were granted access to the crippled Mexican Navy training vessel nearly three days after it crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge.
• ❓ The primary goal is to determine why the ship lost control and accelerated backward, killing two crew members and injuring 19.

Ship Mechanics and Crew Interviews

• 🛠️ Investigators will examine the ship's mechanics, including the engine, transmission, and rudder.
• 🗣️ A comprehensive list of interviews includes the tugboat pilot, harbor pilot, the ship's captain, and other crew members.
• ⚠️ Investigators have refused to speculate on the cause, emphasizing they are in the early stages of gathering factual information.

Incident Details and Timeline

• ⚓ The Mexican Navy training vessel departed South Street Seaport on Saturday night, towed by a tugboat at a slow speed.
• ⏪ Ship tracking data shows the vessel released the tug and began accelerating backward at 8:23 p.m., striking the bridge one minute later at 6.1 knots.
• 🌊 Investigators noted that currents were minimal and winds moderate, raising questions about the backward acceleration.

Cooperation and Ongoing Investigation

• ✅ Mayor Adams praised the Mexican captain and crew for their cooperation with rescue and investigation efforts.
• ⏳ The exact reasons for the delay in the safety board's access to the ship remain unclear.
• 🗓️ The NTSB does not anticipate announcing a probable cause anytime soon, indicating a thorough investigation process.