Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Latest Breaking News

muriel_volestrangler

(104,211 posts)

1. So it seems its engines had got stuck in reverse

Reply to BumRushDaShow (Original post)

Tue May 20, 2025, 07:13 AM

May 20

Young described the conditions at the time as dusk, with westerly winds around 10 knots and a current of about 0.3 knots flowing toward the bridge. As the ship departed, its stern began to accelerate, reaching speeds up to six knots.

https://gothamist.com/news/feds-expected-to-provide-update-on-brooklyn-bridge-ship-strike

So there was a small current toward the bridge, but nearly all of its speed was through the water, and surely must have been mainly powered - if not by the time of impact, for a fair time shortly before. While a westerly wind would blow from Pier 17 to the Brooklyn Bridge, a wind of 10 knots wouldn't accelerate a ship that fast.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

wyn borkins

17 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Radio calls asked tugs for help 45 seconds before Mexican ship hit Brooklyn Bridge, officials say [View all] BumRushDaShow May 20 OP

So it seems its engines had got stuck in reverse muriel_volestrangler May 20 #1

I thought the wind plus the current provided enough power to accelerate the boat at full sail. TheRickles May 20 #2

There were no sails up; the ship was going backwards muriel_volestrangler May 20 #3

No sails up? I guess it's time for another theory.... TheRickles May 20 #6

Coast Guard would have told him to wait an hour! kiri May 20 #4

A current of 0.3 knots is not a problem muriel_volestrangler May 20 #5

Thanks for this video! PJMcK May 20 #7

I was wrong kiri May 20 #8

Stuck in reverse I understand...not being able to kill the engine I do not.. EX500rider May 20 #9

If you look at that video analysis posted upthread BumRushDaShow May 20 #10

I understand stuck in reverse, I don't understand not being able to kill the engine EX500rider May 20 #11

I remember the earliest report mentioned some kind of "power failure" BumRushDaShow May 20 #12

Large diesel can "runaway" so they will have a air inlet valve to close which will shut her down if she wants to or not. EX500rider May 20 #13

Well as I understand BumRushDaShow May 20 #14

I get that, I was a Sea Cadet for 3 years but if they are aloft they should have some sea time under their belts EX500rider May 20 #15

There are a pile of tourist videos floating around BumRushDaShow May 21 #16

TY I &family saw Operation Sail back in '76. We lived relatively near the George Washington Bridge, and walked down.... electric_blue68 May 21 #17