A tragic incident unfolded in New York City as a towering Mexican Navy training ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuring at least 19 others. The vessel, named Cuauhtémoc, was carrying 277 individuals on a goodwill voyage when it collided with the iconic bridge on Saturday evening.
According to city officials, the ship lost power while navigating under the bridge, causing its tall masts to clip the lower structure. At the time of the collision, several crew members were positioned on the masts, which collapsed upon impact. Portions of the damaged masts fell onto the ship’s deck, leading to multiple injuries. Two of the injured later succumbed to their wounds, while two others remain in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene as spectators along the riverfront scattered when the Cuauhtémoc’s towering structure struck the bridge. Despite the severity of the incident, no one was reported to have fallen into the water. Emergency services were quickly deployed to the area, and the ship was later towed away for further inspection.
Authorities from the U.S. Coast Guard reported that the vessel lost the top sections of two of its masts in the crash. All personnel on board have since been accounted for, and the injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The area surrounding the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport in Manhattan, and Dumbo in Brooklyn was cordoned off, with city police warning of traffic disruptions and a significant emergency response presence.
Preliminary investigations suggest that mechanical failure and a power outage contributed to the crash. The ship reportedly lost control as it approached one of the bridge’s support pillars, resulting in the collision. A more detailed investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause and evaluate any further risks.
The Brooklyn Bridge, a historic and vital transportation link between Manhattan and Brooklyn, did not sustain major structural damage, according to early assessments by city engineers. Still, the incident raised concerns about maritime navigation safety in the area, especially given the dense traffic both on the river and on the bridge itself.
The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot-long and 40-foot-wide vessel, has served as a key training platform for the Mexican Navy since it was first launched in 1982. Each year, the ship embarks on a training voyage following the conclusion of academic sessions at Mexico’s naval military school. This year’s journey began on April 6 from the port of Acapulco, with a final destination planned in Iceland.
The ship’s role in training cadets has made it a symbol of pride for Mexico, frequently appearing in international ports as part of diplomatic and educational missions. The latest voyage was intended to strengthen international maritime relations and provide practical experience for the cadets aboard.
With investigations ongoing, questions remain about whether proper precautions and protocols were followed as the ship approached the narrow passage beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. The incident has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory mission and has prompted both Mexican and U.S. authorities to review maritime safety procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
