Brooklyn Bridge: A History of Close Calls and Collisions
For 150 years, the Brooklyn Bridge has stood as an iconic New York landmark, but its history is also marked by numerous collisions and near misses. The recent fatal collision involving a Mexican Navy ship is not an isolated incident. Even during its construction, concerns were raised about ships striking the bridge.
Early Incidents and Legal Challenges
Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn and Manhattan over the East River, with an underside clearance of about 135 feet depending on the tides. Early incidents include a US Navy ship striking the bridge's wires in the 19th century. A lawsuit even reached the Supreme Court, with a warehouse owner arguing that ships' masts collided with the structure.
Notable Collisions
In 1878, the USS Minnesota collided with the bridge while maneuvering to avoid another vessel. While steamships reduced the need for high-masted ships later on, collisions persisted into the 20th century.
Modern Era and Recent Tragedy
In 1941, the SS Nyass, carrying refugees, struck the bridge. As ships grew larger, the Brooklyn Navy Yard even produced vessels that barely cleared the bridge, requiring folded masts, as seen in a 1961 photo of the USS Constellation. The recent Mexican Navy ship collision on May 18th marks the first fatal incident of its kind and claimed two lives. The Brooklyn Bridge has been site of other tragedies during construction with over 20 deaths and in 1883 where a panic-driven stampede resulted in 12 deaths.
