Explained: How a Mexican Navy Ship Crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge in New York

New York City, May 17, 2025 — A training voyage meant to promote diplomacy and discipline took a tragic turn Friday night when a Mexican Navy tall ship collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, leaving two sailors dead and nearly 20 others injured.

What Led to the Collision

The vessel, named ARM Cuauhtemoc, was sailing out of Lower Manhattan’s Pier 17 shortly after 8 pm when it reportedly lost engine power. According to preliminary investigations, the ship began drifting in reverse, unable to regain control.

Without power to steer or stop, the massive three-masted vessel floated backwards directly toward the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge’s clearance at its center is about 135 feet, but the masts of the Cuauhtemoc reach up to 147 feet. The top sections of all three masts struck the bridge and snapped upon impact.

The Human Toll

The crash caused devastating injuries on board. Two sailors stationed near the rigging during the collision later died in the hospital despite emergency aid. Nineteen others sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe, with at least two in critical condition.

Emergency services, including the NYPD and FDNY, responded within minutes. Fireboats and helicopters scanned the area, though no one was reported to have fallen into the East River.

Eyewitness Moments

Many New Yorkers and tourists watched in disbelief as the ship collided with the bridge. Some captured the moment on video, which quickly went viral. Witnesses described the sound of splintering wood and saw sailors clinging to ropes in an attempt to brace for impact. One crew member was seen suspended midair in a harness and was eventually rescued after a tense 15-minute operation.

Bridge Safety and Structural Impact

City officials confirmed that the Brooklyn Bridge did not sustain major structural damage. After inspection by engineers, traffic and pedestrian flow on the bridge resumed, though certain areas remain under observation for safety reasons.

Mayor Eric Adams expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and commended the emergency responders for their quick actions.

About the Vessel

The Cuauhtemoc is a proud symbol of the Mexican Navy. Commissioned in 1982, it is often used as a training ship for naval cadets. Its ongoing voyage, which began in April from Acapulco, includes visits to over 15 countries and 22 ports. It had docked in New York as part of the city’s Sail4th celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

The ship was expected to continue its journey to Iceland. However, that leg of the trip is now indefinitely postponed as investigations and damage assessments proceed.

Investigation Underway

US authorities, in cooperation with the Mexican Navy, are investigating the cause of the power failure and whether proper safety protocols were followed. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the inquiry, and the vessel has been moved to a secure dock for further inspection.

President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico expressed deep sorrow over the incident and pledged full support to the affected families, promising transparency throughout the investigation.

Conclusion

This incident has shocked both Mexico and the United States. It serves as a reminder that even well-prepared missions at sea can face unforeseen dangers. As officials continue their investigations, many hope that the lessons learned will help prevent similar tragedies in the future.