A collision between the Mexican navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc and the Brooklyn Bridge led to the deaths of two cadets, marking a tragic milestone in the bridge's history. Since its opening in 1883, ships have frequently struck the bridge due to height issues. This incident is particularly notable as it results in the first fatalities from such a collision, according to historians. The Brooklyn Bridge's height restrictions have been debated since its construction, stressing ongoing maritime hazards in its vicinity.
Even before construction on the bridge was finished in the late 19th century, the topmast of a passing U.S. Navy ship hit the span's wires - and vessels continued to clip the iconic New York City structure for many years. But historians say Saturday's crash appears to be the first boat collision with the bridge to take the lives of crew members.
During construction, a warehouse owner sued state officials - first to stop the bridge and then for compensation - arguing that some ships still had topmasts that exceeded the height.
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