Mexican naval ship that crashed into Brooklyn Bridge finally sails home from NYC

The tall ship Cuauhtémoc of the Mexican Navy, which notoriously collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, departed from Manhattan on Saturday afternoon in a smooth exit following a heartfelt farewell ceremony that attracted hundreds along the Hudson River.

Approximately 300 spectators gathered at Pier 86 adjacent to the Intrepid Museum, waving, singing, and dancing as the three-masted training ship prepared to return to Cozumel, concluding a six-month stay in New York for repairs.

At 2:45 p.m., the ship’s cadets aligned on the deck as a military band played both the Mexican and naval anthems. By 3:20 p.m., the gangway had been raised, marking the beginning of a 35-day journey south.

“We take great pride in the Cuauhtémoc, which has been traversing the world’s oceans since its construction in 1986,” stated Marcos Augustus Bucio Mujica, Mexico’s consul general in New York.

“We express our deep gratitude to Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, and the first responders who aided during and after the unfortunate incident. We also wish to honor the two cadets who tragically lost their lives that evening.”

Captain Victor Hugo Molina Pérez and Admiral Francisco Guillermo Escamilla Cázarez also addressed the audience, paying tribute to the lost sailors and extending their condolences to their families.

Among those present was Carmen Ortiz, 65, a retired educator from Puebla, who came to bid farewell to her nephew, ship doctor Hugo Adrián Calvario.

“He is a traumatologist,” Ortiz shared with The Post.

“He was among the first responders at the site of the accident.”

She characterized the crash as “a stressful and profoundly sorrowful night for everyone involved.”

Observers clapped enthusiastically, waving Mexican flags as dancers donned in traditional outfits performed at the pier.

“We came here to celebrate their departure through dance,” said Saray Quiroz, 45, who showcased cultural routines from Chiapas.

“We send them off with affection and wish them the best for their journey,” added Damaris Huerta, 49, hailing from Jalisco.

A particularly moving moment came from Marlene Castro, 68, a school assistant who was present on the East River when the accident occurred and still experiences nightmares.

“I remain terrified,” she confessed, gazing up at the newly restored masts.

“I was there the night the ship impacted the bridge. I witnessed the CPR efforts. I pray that God and the Virgin Mary watch over their souls in heaven.”

The May 17 collision resulted in the deaths of two sailors and injuries to 19 others when the Cuauhtémoc — a 297-foot training barque — inexplicably reversed under power and collided with the Brooklyn Bridge.

The masts shattered and collapsed while numerous cadets were on deck “manning the masts” in ceremonial formation.

Federal investigators reported that the vessel accelerated in reverse despite instructions to proceed forward.

The National Transportation Safety Board has yet to identify the cause, indicating that its investigation could take a year or longer.

The Cuauhtémoc spent four months docked at Caddell Repair & Dry Dock Co. on Staten Island, where the crew restored its three masts and examined its propulsion and steering systems.

The ship successfully completed a sea trial in September prior to moving to the Intrepid pier last month.

Chris O’Brien, president of Sail 4th 250 — the organization orchestrating America’s 250th birthday maritime celebration next year — described the ship’s departure as a symbol of renewal.

“We are planning an enormous event for next year, and we are hopeful that the Cuauhtémoc and the Mexican Navy will participate in the festivities,” O’Brien remarked.

“It promises to be a vast international goodwill celebration right here in New York.”

“I wanted to come and send them off,” he added.

“We have a saying in the naval services; I’m a former Coast Guard member. We say ‘fair winds and following seas’ to wish them well on their voyage.”

O’Brien referred to tall ships like the Cuauhtémoc as “the Crown Jewels of their nations.”

David Winters, executive vice president of the Intrepid Museum, expressed New Yorkers’ pride in hosting the vessel.

“Tall ships such as this serve as goodwill ambassadors for their respective nations, and we are genuinely delighted to have this vessel here at the Intrepid,” Winters stated.

“We have hosted other tall ships before, and we look forward to hosting many more in the future. This is a wonderful preview of next year’s Sail 4th celebration honoring our nation.”

As the Cuauhtémoc gracefully departed from the pier, the crowd erupted in cheers, and the Mexican Navy’s band played a final tune.

The ship’s pristine white sails caught the breeze, and its newly refurbished masts, shimmering in the afternoon light, rose once more above the Hudson.