NTSB Update on Deadly Brooklyn Bridge Collision with Mexican Navy Ship

NTSB Investigation into Brooklyn Bridge Collision

• 📌 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the deadly collision between a Mexican Navy ship and the Brooklyn Bridge.
• 💔 The incident resulted in the deaths of two crew members.
• 🔍 NTSB officials are on scene to gather perishable evidence, a process that will take as many days as needed.

Investigation Scope and Timeline

• ⏳ NTSB investigations typically take 12 to 24 months to complete.
• ⚠️ An urgent safety recommendation may be issued if a significant safety issue is identified during the investigation.
• 📊 The investigation will focus on three main areas: the crew and their operation, the vessel and its condition, and the environment (weather, wind, current, tide).

Bridge Condition and Safety Recommendations

• ✅ The New York City Department of Transportation has affirmed there is no significant structural damage to the load-bearing elements of the Brooklyn Bridge.
• 💡 The NTSB has a history of interest in bridge safety, having previously released recommendations after the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.
• 📊 These recommendations included calculating the risk of bridge collapse after a ship strike and mitigating that risk if it exceeds a certain threshold.

Preliminary Timeline and Vessel Movement

• 🚢 The Mexican Navy ship arrived on May 13th and docked at Pier 17.
• ⏱️ On May 17th at 8:20 p.m., the vessel began backing away from the pier with the assistance of a tugboat, intending to sail south down the East River.
• 💨 Preliminary data shows the vessel's stern motion and speed increased, reaching up to 6 knots.
• 🚨 At 8:24 p.m., a VHF radio broadcast requested assistance from other tugboats, followed by two more requests. At the same time, the vessel's mast struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge.
• 🛑 The vessel came to a stop at 8:27 p.m., with NYPD and FDNY assets arriving on scene by 8:30 p.m.

Ongoing Information Gathering

• 📸 The NTSB is canvassing for closed-circuit TV and security cameras and has had success in finding some.
• 📧 They are requesting that anyone with video footage email them at [email protected] to receive a link for uploading.
• 🤝 The NTSB is working with counterparts in the Mexican government to gain access to the ship and its crew for interviews.
• ❓ Questions regarding the role of the tugboat, potential engine failure, and the vessel's speed are part of the ongoing investigation.