CHARLES D MCALLISTER

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NTSB launchedi investigation, McAllister Towing issued statement

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the allision of the STS 'Cuauhtémoc' with the Brooklyn Bridge. The vessel, with 277 people on board, was departing South Street Seaport’s Pier 17 on the evening of May 17, when the incident occurred. According to NTSB’s initial findings, the vessel’s speed increased from 2 to 6 knots while moving astern. The allision occurred at approximately 8:24 p.m., about five minutes after setting off from the pier with the assistance of the tug 'Charles D McAllister' amid repeated calls for more tug assistance just before the allision. The 'Cuauhtémoc' came to a complete stop three minutes later up river from the bridge. The weather conditions at the time were west wind at 10 knots and only 0.3 knots of flood current upriver. The NTSB Investigator in Charge Brian Young confirmed that the investigators were focusing on nautical operations, marine engineering, bridge engineering, survival factors, and recorders. The NTSB will also be looking into policies and procedures for assisting tugs. The investigation team is currently working with the Mexican government to gain access to the ship. So far, no interviews have taken place, including with the captain and pilot. The vessel remained moored at Pier 36 on the East River, surrounded by a 50-yard safety zone, as authorities assess the damage and determine salvage plans. The NTSB confirmed no significant structural damage to the Brooklyn Bridge. The McAllister Towing, which operated the 'Charles D McAllister', provided the following statement: “One of our vessels assisted the Cuauhtémoc as it departed Pier 17 en route to anchorage, where the vessel was scheduled to take on bunkers. Following the allision, our crew provided additional assistance and promptly notified the appropriate authorities. “While the cause of the incident is still under investigation, McAllister Towing is fully cooperating with the relevant authorities and will continue to support the review process as needed.” The investigation is being coordinated between Mexican and U.S. authorities. The NTSB expects to release its preliminary report within 30 days. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_ZHng2BF3I

Assistance tug of Cuauhtémoc had no connection to tall ship during allision

The 'Charles D. Mcallister' was the assistance tug during the unmooring manover of the Mexican STS 'Cuauhtémoc' on May 27, 2025, befire it allided with the Brooklyn Bridge over the East River, close to the Manhattan side of the span, which connects the borough with Brooklyn. Two of the 277 people on board the STS died and others remained in critical condition. The tall sghip had departed from New York City’s South Street Seaport, with assistance of the tug, but no line connection. When it was taken towards the bridge, the tug steamed nearby, without being able to intervene further before the allision.