A majestic Mexican naval training vessel crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday evening, killing two and injuring 19 others when its towering masts struck the iconic structure after the ship reportedly lost power.
Quick Takes
- The Cuauhtémoc, a 300-foot Mexican Navy training ship, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge after suffering a power failure around 8:20 p.m. ET
- Two people died and 19 were injured, with three in critical condition; the ship was carrying 277 people during its cultural exchange tour
- Eyewitnesses captured dramatic footage showing the ship’s masts snapping and partially collapsing upon impact
- The vessel had departed from Mexico on April 6 for a planned 254-day journey to 22 ports across 15 nations
- While the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no structural damage according to authorities, the ship is too damaged to continue its voyage
Deadly Collision in New York Harbor
The Cuauhtémoc, a steel-hulled three-masted barque used by the Mexican Navy for training and goodwill missions, struck the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday evening during what was supposed to be a routine stop on its international tour. According to multiple reports, the vessel lost power around 8:20 p.m. ET before drifting into the iconic 141-year-old bridge that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. The collision resulted in two fatalities and 19 injuries, with three people reported to be in critical condition as emergency services rushed to the scene.
The Mexican Navy confirmed the incident in a statement explaining that the accident caused significant damage to the training ship. “During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtémoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being. The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support,” stated the official account of the Mexican Navy on X.
👇🚨🚢Wide View 🚢🚨👇
Shipe 🚢 celebrating some Mexican boat just crashed into Brooklyn Bridge. https://t.co/eBCDnwRPa3 pic.twitter.com/c6V6WJhQhK
— NewsDaily🪖🚨🪖 (@XNews24_7) May 18, 2025
Dramatic Rescue Operation
Eyewitness accounts and videos captured the harrowing moment when the ship’s masts collided with the underside of the bridge. The impact caused the masts to snap and partially collapse, creating a chaotic scene as crew members scrambled for safety. Among the most dramatic moments was the rescue of a crew member left dangling from the damaged rigging. “We saw someone dangling, and I couldn’t tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them,” said Lily Katz, who witnessed the accident.
“We want to first thank God that the 277 passengers onboard of this Mexican vessel were all removed,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
The New York Fire Department deployed marine units and EMS workers who quickly established a casualty collection point, treating the injured before transporting them to local hospitals. “We knew immediately that we had a serious incident with a boat striking the bridge, so we had reports of people in the water,” explained Michael Meyers, FDNY’s chief of training.
International Cooperation and Investigation
The Cuauhtémoc, launched in 1982, had departed from Acapulco, Mexico, on April 6 for what was planned as a 254-day journey to 22 ports across 15 nations. The ship arrived in New York as part of this goodwill tour, with the Mexican Consulate having invited the public to visit the vessel from May 13 to 17. At the time of the collision, the ship was decorated with lights and carrying 277 people, including naval cadets receiving hands-on training.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the @SEMAR_mx training ship Cuauhtémoc incident at the Brooklyn Bridge,” stated the U.S. Ambassador in Mexico.
Maritime investigators and local authorities are now examining factors including tide levels, weather conditions, and communication protocols to determine the exact cause of the collision. The NYC Department of Transportation has confirmed that despite the dramatic nature of the crash, the Brooklyn Bridge itself sustained no structural damage. “NYC DOT bridge inspectors have been on site since this evening’s boat crash. While inspections will remain ongoing, there are no signs of structural damage to the Brooklyn Bridge,” reported NYC Department of Transportation on X.
The Mexican navy has emphasized its commitment to addressing the situation appropriately. “The Secretary of the Navy renews its commitment to the safety of personnel, transparency in its operations and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Armada,” stated the Mexican navy following the incident.
