How Did a Mexican Navy Ship Hit the Brooklyn Bridge?
Read Time: 1 minThe National Interest interviewed member José Cot (New Orleans) in an article published on May 20, 2025, “How Did a Mexican Navy Ship Hit the Brooklyn Bridge?” José offered insight into potential mechanical failures and environmental factors that may have contributed to the recent vessel allision, highlighting broader safety implications for future operations.
“While the cause of the allision is not yet known, reports are suggesting that loss of power due to mechanical failure in the vessel’s propulsion system may have played a role in the casualty,” explained José Cot of the McGlinchey Stafford law practice in New Orleans, APLC, and whose practice focuses on maritime personal injury and property damage.
“The vessel is reportedly fitted with a controllable pitch propeller system and a single auxiliary engine. Failure of CPP systems has also resulted in previous sudden, full-astern thrust vessel casualties,” Cot told The National Interest via email.
“This is always a possibility—the East River has strong currents and the wind was reportedly northeasterly (towards the bridge) at the time of the allision. On the other hand, it has been reported that a twin-screw assist tug was not connected to a towing hawser, and could not intervene before the allision,” said Cot.
“It will certainly bring renewed focus on safety considerations,” said Cot. He said that could include “operational procedures concerning assist tugs, proximity to bridges, and familiarity with the waters and location.”