The collision between the Chilean training ship Esmeralda and the Brooklyn Bridge in June 1964 remains a memorable, if somewhat embarrassing, incident in New York City’s maritime history. The Esmeralda, a four-masted barquentine, served as a training vessel for the Chilean Navy, undertaking goodwill cruises to various ports around the world.
On the morning of June 12th, 1964, the Esmeralda, under the command of Captain Horacio Justiniano, was attempting to sail under the Brooklyn Bridge as part of Fleet Week celebrations. While the exact circumstances leading to the collision are debated, several factors likely contributed. The height of the Esmeralda’s masts, coupled with the bridge’s clearance at high tide, presented a tight margin. Furthermore, the strong currents of the East River demanded precise navigation.
Eyewitness accounts and official reports suggest a combination of miscalculation and navigational challenges led to the incident. Some argue that the captain misjudged the tidal conditions or the ship’s speed. Others point to the difficulties of maneuvering a large sailing vessel in a confined space with strong currents. Whatever the exact cause, the inevitable happened: the Esmeralda’s mainmast struck the Brooklyn Bridge with a resounding thud.
The impact caused significant damage to the Esmeralda’s rigging. The top section of the mainmast snapped and came crashing down onto the deck. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries among the crew, although the incident created considerable chaos and alarm. The collision also caused minor damage to the bridge itself, mainly scratches and scrapes to the stonework.
The event quickly became a media sensation, capturing the attention of newspapers and television stations across the country. Images of the crippled Esmeralda, its broken mast a stark reminder of the incident, were widely circulated. The collision prompted investigations by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Chilean Navy to determine the cause and assign responsibility.
Following the incident, the Esmeralda was taken to a nearby shipyard for repairs. The damaged mast was replaced, and the ship was deemed seaworthy. After a period of repairs and investigations, the Esmeralda was eventually cleared to continue its voyage. The collision, however, left a lasting mark on the ship’s history and served as a cautionary tale for mariners navigating the challenging waters of the East River.
The “Esmeralda and the Brooklyn Bridge” remains a quirky footnote in both New York City’s history and the ship’s distinguished career. It serves as a reminder of the importance of precise navigation, careful planning, and respect for the unpredictable forces of nature, especially when navigating iconic landmarks.