Monday May 19, 2025

Mexican Navy tall ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge, killing two – https://www.reuters.com/world/us/mexican-navy-sailing-ship-crashes-into-brooklyn-bridge-19-injured-2025-05-18/http://Mexican Navy tall ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge, killing two – https://www.reuters.com/world/us/mexican-navy-sailing-ship-crashes-into-brooklyn-bridge-19-injured-2025-05-18/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP86nbYCV/

Interesting post, but there’s a key piece of the puzzle missing! For those who know the East River and Hudson River, it’s common knowledge that large vessels – think massive cruise ships or impressive tall ships like the Mexican navy’s – don’t just sail out into the Atlantic on their own. They are always accompanied, often towed, by a dedicated towing boat for safe passage.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP86nbYCV/

Today, May 19, 2025, NBC News issued a breaking news announcement where New York City Mayor Adams provided very few details regarding the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two Mexican Navy Marina sailors.

This story is a powder keg, and I’m sounding the alarm because those of us familiar with the Hudson and East Rivers—the waters surrounding Manhattan—know that large vessels like this one never navigate alone. This isn’t just common sense; it’s a clear violation of New York City Marina and Coast Guard regulations.

Here a break down of NYC Marina and Coast Guard laws and protocols specifically for Manhattan, where I reside. So stay tuned for some local knowledge.

Okay, here’s a focused section on the U.S. Coast Guard’s role in responding to and escorting large vessels.

U.S. Coast Guard and the Escorting of Large Vessels.

The U.S. Coast Guard plays a critical role in ensuring the safe navigation of large vessels within U.S. waters, including busy and complex waterways like the Hudson and East Rivers surrounding Manhattan. Their involvement in escorting these vessels isn’t merely a suggestion; it’s often a mandated requirement driven by safety and security protocols.
Here are key aspects of the Coast Guard’s responsibilities in this area:

• Navigation Safety Mandates: The Coast Guard has broad authority to establish regulations that ensure the safe movement of vessels. For large ships, which can have limited maneuverability, especially in confined channels or areas with strong currents and tides, the Coast Guard often requires the presence of tug escorts. These requirements are put in place to mitigate the risk of groundings, collisions, and other maritime accidents.
• Vessel Traffic Services (VTS): In major ports like New York Harbor, the Coast Guard operates Vessel Traffic Services. Large vessels are typically required to communicate with and follow the guidance of VTS. This system actively monitors vessel movements and can direct or mandate the use of escorts to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow.
• Risk Assessment: The decision to require escorts is often based on a risk assessment that considers factors such as the size and draft of the vessel, the dimensions and characteristics of the waterway (width, depth, bends), the density of other vessel traffic, and prevailing environmental conditions (weather, visibility, currents).
• Security Considerations: In the post-9/11 era, security has become an even greater priority. The Coast Guard establishes security zones around critical infrastructure and certain high-interest vessels. Escorts can be part of a comprehensive security plan to ensure these vessels transit safely and are protected from potential threats.
• Enforcement Authority: The Coast Guard has the authority to enforce these regulations. Vessels that fail to comply with escort requirements or other navigational safety rules can face penalties, including fines and potential delays or restrictions on their movement.
  In the specific case of a large vessel like the Mexican Navy tall ship navigating the Hudson and East Rivers, it would be almost certain that the U.S. Coast Guard would have been actively involved in planning and overseeing its transit, likely mandating the use of tug escorts to ensure the safety of the vessel, the waterway, and other maritime traffic. This is a standard operating procedure for large, less maneuverable vessels in such a demanding environment.
  This section highlights the proactive role of the U.S. Coast Guard in ensuring the safe passage of large vessels through critical waterways by often requiring and coordinating escort services.

By, Meshekatlan