Talk:Cuauhtémoc–Brooklyn Bridge collision

We're speculating here, so nothing we can use to change the article, but the main theory now among professional mariners following this incident is that the vessel had a CPP (controllable pitch propeller) which jammed in reverse. I expect the first Reliable Source which will report details as they become known will be GCaptain, which has already run some good articles but has not yet taken a position as to the cause. <!-- Template:Unsigned --><small class="autosigned">—&nbsp;Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Cromwell,EarlofEssex|Cromwell,EarlofEssex]] ([[User talk:Cromwell,EarlofEssex#top|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Cromwell,EarlofEssex|contribs]]) 16:13, 22 May 2025 (UTC)</small> <!--Autosigned by SineBot-->

We're speculating here, so nothing we can use to change the article, but the main theory now among professional mariners following this incident is that the vessel had a CPP (controllable pitch propeller) which jammed in reverse. I expect the first Reliable Source which will report details as they become known will be GCaptain, which has already run some good articles but has not yet taken a position as to the cause. <!-- Template:Unsigned --><small class="autosigned">—&nbsp;Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:Cromwell,EarlofEssex|Cromwell,EarlofEssex]] ([[User talk:Cromwell,EarlofEssex#top|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Cromwell,EarlofEssex|contribs]]) 16:13, 22 May 2025 (UTC)</small> <!--Autosigned by SineBot-->

== Requested move 4 July 2025 ==

{{requested move/dated|Cuauhtémoc–Brooklyn Bridge crash}}

[[:Cuauhtémoc–Brooklyn Bridge collision]] → {{no redirect|Cuauhtémoc–Brooklyn Bridge crash}} – Follow-up to resolve lingering question from [[Talk:Cuauhtémoc–Brooklyn Bridge collision#Requested move 18 May 2025|the last RM]] as to whether ''crash'', ''collision'', or some other noun is the best descriptor for this incident. ''Crash'' is my top choice and I will present the others in rough order of preference from the prior RM; note that I was involved in this lengthy discussion and may miss details and nuanced arguments. I think ''collision'' is reasonable but I appreciate the objections raised. I would not use the other terms.

# ''crash''{{2px}}: This appeared to be the most common noun used at the time of the last RM and in the initial wave of coverage. This term is widely used in reliable sources and is accessible to a general audience. It satisfies the naming [[WP:CRITERIA]] well: it is certainly recognizable, natural, precise, and concise.

# ''collision''{{2px}}: A few editors pointed out that in maritime terminology ''collision'' specifically refers to an incident involving two moving vessels (hence the prefix ''co-''). Thus a "crash" between a moving ship and a stationary object such as a bridge is not properly described as a ''collision''. This may explain why high quality sources used ''crash'' more often. Common usage does not make this distinction and many reliable sources do use ''collision'' and ''collide'' to describe this incident. On the other hand, where a suitable alternative exists (''crash''{{2px}}) it may be good editorial practice to avoid ''collision'' even if most readers won't notice.

# ''strike''{{2px}}: This had limited support but is reasonably descriptive and is found in sources, especially as a verb (''The ship <u>struck</u> ''the bridge).

# ''accident''{{2px}}: Some sources including the [https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA25MM039.aspx NTSB] do use this terminology. Though often used imprecisely in every day language, ''accident'' can imply that an event was unavoidable or that a finding of no fault has been made. Style guides for motor vehicle collisions often recommend against this word (e.g., [https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/current-employees/wsdot-style-guide-and-communications-manual Washington State Department of Transportation] and [https://dev.bloustein.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Press_Release_Guide.pdf this] from Rutgers).

# ''allision''{{2px}}: This was raised several times and met with vigorous opposition. In maritime terminology, ''allision'' is the term for a moving vessel striking a stationary object. This word is found in dictionaries but will be inaccessible to most readers. ''Allision'' is not used in [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?search=allision+intitle%3Aallision&title=Special%3ASearch&profile=advanced&fulltext=1&advancedSearch-current=%7B%22fields%22%3A%7B%22intitle%22%3A%22allision%22%7D%7D&ns0=1 any article titles] on WP.

[[WP:DISASTER]] is silent on this usage question for maritime incidents but does have guidance for trains. I could not find many articles to review for consistency. [[1938 Muncy Raft crash]] does involve a moving vessel striking a bridge. --[[User:Myceteae|<span style="font-family: verdana; color: blue;"><b>MYCETEAE</b></span>]] 🍄‍🟫—[[User talk:Myceteae|<span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>talk</i></span>]] 16:06, 4 July 2025 (UTC)