New York City authorities have confirmed that a mechanical failure caused the tragic crash between a Mexican Navy training ship and the Brooklyn Bridge over the weekend, leaving two crew members dead and several others injured.
The towering vessel, Cuauhtémoc, a famed tall ship operated by the Mexican Navy, was carrying 277 people when it struck the bridge on Saturday, May 17. According to officials, the ship’s masts clipped the bridge’s understructure as it attempted to pass beneath, causing portions of the rigging to collapse. Nineteen individuals were injured in the collision, and tragically, two crew members lost their lives.
During a press briefing, NYPD Chief of Department Wilson Aramboles revealed that the vessel had departed from a Manhattan pier but veered off its intended course. Preliminary findings indicate that a mechanical malfunction led to a sudden loss of power, disabling the ship’s steering system and preventing it from avoiding the low-clearance bridge.
Reports suggest the crew was attempting to reverse course when the collision occurred — but with masts too tall to clear the structure, the impact was unavoidable.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the incident on social media, stating:
“Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. Of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, two remain in critical condition, and two others have sadly passed away.
We are praying for everyone on board and their families, and we are grateful to our first responders whose quick actions helped prevent a worse outcome. Following inspection, we can confirm the bridge sustained no damage and is open to the public.”
The incident has sparked an international response, with both U.S. and Mexican authorities launching joint investigations into the circumstances surrounding the malfunction.
President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum expressed deep sorrow over the fatal Brooklyn Bridge collision involving the Mexican Navy’s tall ship Cuauhtémoc. Speaking through Reuters, Sheinbaum said:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members of the Cuauhtémoc who lost their lives in this unfortunate accident. Our sympathy and support go out to their families.
The Navy, supported by local authorities, is caring for the injured. Our ambassador to the U.S. and staff at the Consulate General in New York are offering their full support.”
Sheinbaum also extended her gratitude to New York City Mayor Eric Adams for his cooperation and assured that the Mexican Navy would continue to provide updates as investigations unfold.
Meanwhile, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a formal investigation to uncover the precise causes behind the mechanical failure and subsequent crash.
Eyewitness Flavia Moreira, who was nearby at the time of the collision, described the harrowing scene as “surreal.”
“It just kept coming closer and closer, and at some point, I was like, I don’t think that’s right,” she told CNN.
“People started recording. Some of the crew were clinging to the top of the ship, and when it hit the bridge, they were swinging around, holding on for dear life. We could see them really struggling not to fall.”
Law enforcement sources confirmed that the two crew members who tragically died had fallen from one of the ship’s masts during the impact.
The Cuauhtémoc, a majestic tall ship widely recognized as a symbol of Mexican maritime tradition and often used for naval training and diplomatic missions, makes this accident particularly heartbreaking for both Mexico and the international naval community.
