Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Leaving 2 Dead and Dozens Injured
On the evening of Saturday, May 17, 2025, tragedy struck when the Cuauhtémoc, a Mexican Navy sailing ship on a goodwill tour, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The accident resulted in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to at least 22 others, including 11 critically injured individuals. The ship, carrying 277 people, was departing from Manhattan when it lost power and drifted uncontrollably toward the iconic bridge.
The Cuauhtémoc, a three-masted steel-hulled barque used by the Mexican Navy to train future naval officers, had been docked at Pier 17 in Manhattan. Initially, the ship was scheduled to head south from New York Harbor, stopping briefly on the Brooklyn waterfront to refuel before continuing its journey toward Iceland. However, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the ship veered off course and began moving backward toward the Brooklyn Bridge, an area with a known navigational clearance of 127 feet—significantly lower than the height of the ship’s masts, which stand at roughly 160 feet.
As the vessel drifted stern-first, a tugboat attempted to assist the Cuauhtémoc, but mechanical issues reportedly prevented the ship from regaining control. Video footage captured by bystanders showed the ship moving erratically before smashing into the underside of the bridge. The masts were severely damaged, and the ship lurched to a stop near Brooklyn Bridge Park. Despite the violent collision, the ship remained upright.
Authorities confirmed that all 277 individuals aboard the ship were accounted for, with two crew members confirmed dead. The identities of the deceased have not been publicly disclosed, but President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico expressed her condolences via social media.
The crash prompted a swift emergency response, with rescue teams arriving on the scene shortly after the incident. The injured were transferred to Pier 16, where emergency workers attended to them. A large crowd gathered at the site, offering support as survivors were wheeled to ambulances. Those injured included both sailors and civilian bystanders, with a number of people requiring immediate medical attention for broken bones, cuts, and head injuries.
Nick Corso, a nearby diner, recalled the harrowing moment when he saw the ship heading toward the bridge. He initially thought it would clear the structure, but as the mast disappeared behind the bridge, he realized the ship would not make it. The sound of the mast snapping as it hit the bridge was audible to witnesses, marking the start of a chaotic scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Initial reports suggest that mechanical issues may have been a contributing factor, but it is not yet clear whether human error or navigational failure played a role. The city of New York has pledged to fully cooperate with the investigation.
After the collision, the Cuauhtémoc was relocated to Pier 36, where emergency crews continued to secure the vessel. Mexican Navy officials and New York City authorities have stated that the immediate priority is to care for the crew members and determine their next steps. The ship’s crew, who had been traveling as part of a global mission to promote peace and international cooperation, is expected to remain in New York for the time being.
The Cuauhtémoc had been on a diplomatic voyage since early April, with planned stops in several cities worldwide, including Kingston, Jamaica; Havana, Cuba; Reykjavik, Iceland; and London. The crash has brought an abrupt end to the ship’s New York visit, and the Mexican Navy has vowed to conduct a thorough review of the incident.
This tragic accident, which claimed the lives of two crew members and left several others injured, underscores the inherent risks involved in maritime navigation, especially with large vessels in busy urban environments. As authorities investigate the cause of the crash, questions about safety measures, mechanical reliability, and navigational protocols will likely take center stage. For now, the focus remains on the well-being of those affected, and the city of New York has promised to support the Mexican Navy in the aftermath of this devastating event.