Archive · 21 May 2025
Brooklyn Bridge History: Collisions and Tragedies Over Time
The Brooklyn Bridge, a famous landmark, has a history of ships bumping into it, even before it was finished!
These collisions, sometimes caused by changing course or ships being too tall, have happened for over a century.
Recently, a Mexican Navy ship hit the bridge, causing deaths, which was the first time a collision led to fatalities on board a ship.
The bridge's underside height varies, and it has seen other accidents throughout its history.
The Brooklyn Bridge, built in the 19th century, has a history of ship collisions.
The first recorded instance of a ship hitting the bridge was in the 19th century.
A US Navy ship collided with the bridge in 1878.
The SS Nyass collided with the bridge in 1941.
A recent collision involved a Mexican Navy ship, resulting in two deaths and injuries.
- Who
- A Mexican Navy ship and the Brooklyn Bridge were involved.
- What
- A Mexican Navy ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge.
- When
- The recent fatal collision happened on May 18th, and collisions have occurred since the 19th century.
- Where
- The Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
- Why
- Causes of collisions include ships changing course or being too tall.
- Bridge Completion
- 1883
- Bridge connects
- Brooklyn and Manhattan
- Recent Fatal Collision
- May 18th
- Fatalities in recent collision
- 2
- Injuries in recent collision
- 19
- Maximum underside height
- 135 feet