Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Leaving Two Dead and 19 Injured
A tragic accident unfolded in New York Harbor over the weekend as a Mexican Navy training vessel, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge—leaving two people dead and at least 19 others injured.
The incident occurred on Saturday, May 17, when the tall ship, carrying 277 crew members and passengers, experienced a mechanical failure shortly after departing from a Manhattan pier. Authorities say the ship lost power and began drifting uncontrollably toward the bridge.
According to early reports, the Cuauhtémoc was not scheduled to pass beneath the iconic structure. As the crew attempted to reverse course, the ship’s towering masts—too tall to clear the bridge’s underpass—struck the structure. The impact caused a portion of the rigging to collapse, creating chaos on deck.
New York City Police Chief Wilson Aramboles said the vessel’s loss of propulsion left the crew with limited ability to steer clear of danger. “The masts were simply incompatible with the clearance of the Brooklyn Bridge,” he stated. “Once the ship lost control, a collision was almost inevitable.”
New York Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the fatalities in a public statement. “Two lives were lost, and several others are fighting to recover,” he said. “Our thoughts are with their families and everyone affected. We also extend our gratitude to the first responders whose swift actions helped prevent an even greater tragedy.”
Mayor Adams added that a structural inspection revealed no lasting damage to the Brooklyn Bridge, which has since reopened.
The Cuauhtémoc—a renowned symbol of Mexico’s naval heritage—was on a goodwill voyage, part of a global training and diplomatic tour. The tragic turn of events cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a peaceful cultural exchange.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed deep sorrow over the loss of two crew members. “We stand with their families in grief,” she said. “Mexico is coordinating closely with New York officials to ensure all affected receive the support they need.”
Eyewitnesses described a scene of rising panic as the ship neared the bridge. Flavia Moreira, who was walking along the waterfront, said, “It just kept drifting closer. When it hit, we saw crew members trying to hold on—some swinging from the rigging as it collapsed. It was terrifying.”
Officials later confirmed that the two fatalities resulted from crew members falling from the masts during the impact.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a formal investigation into the incident, aiming to identify the precise cause of the mechanical failure and whether additional safety protocols are needed for future naval visits.
