Tragedy Strikes as Mexican Navy’s Cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge

Tragedy Strikes as Mexican Navy’s Cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge

Tragedy Strikes as Mexican Navy’s Cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge

Cuauhtémoc, Brooklyn Bridge crash, Mexican Navy ship, NYC maritime accident, tall ship collision, naval training vessel, goodwill tour, ship hits bridge, East River accident, Cuauhtémoc NYC

New York City, May 18, 2025

In a devastating maritime accident Saturday evening, the Mexican Navy’s tall ship Cuauhtémoc collided with New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge, snapping its three towering masts and killing two crew members. The tragic event unfolded at approximately 8:26 p.m. as the historic sailing vessel, carrying 277 people, lost power and reversed uncontrollably into the bridge while departing from the South Street Seaport.

Eyewitness videos captured the dramatic moment when the ship’s masts crashed one by one against the bridge’s span. Panic ensued as sailors clung to the shattered rigging, suspended high above the deck. Emergency teams swiftly responded, and 19 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, some with critical injuries.

A Catastrophic Loss During a Peaceful Mission

The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot-long training vessel for the Mexican Navy, was in New York as part of a 254-day global goodwill tour visiting 22 ports across 15 countries. The ship had just completed several days of public exhibitions and cadet engagements in Manhattan.

According to preliminary reports from the NYPD’s Special Operations division, the vessel experienced a mechanical failure that caused it to lose propulsion shortly after leaving its dock. Instead of heading out to sea, it drifted in reverse toward the Brooklyn side of the East River.

Mayor Eric Adams confirmed via social media that no damage was done to the 142-year-old Brooklyn Bridge, which reopened after inspection. However, the human cost was deeply felt. “Our hearts are with the families of the two brave crew members we lost,” Adams stated.

Witnesses Describe Chaos and Heroism

Onlookers described scenes of confusion and fear as the vessel slammed into the bridge. “We saw someone dangling from the rigging for at least 15 minutes before they were rescued,” said Lily Katz, a witness who was watching the sunset from Brooklyn’s waterfront.

Another eyewitness, Nick Corso, recounted the sound of snapping wood and ensuing panic: “It sounded like a huge twig breaking — and then people just started running.” Despite the chaos, officials confirmed that none of the crew members fell into the water, a fact many attributed to well-executed safety protocols and the sailors’ training.

A Floating Ambassador in Distress

The Cuauhtémoc, launched in 1982, is renowned for its role in training naval cadets and representing Mexico at international maritime festivals. Often called the “Ambassador and Knight of the Seas,” the ship symbolizes Mexico’s commitment to diplomacy and naval excellence. This year’s voyage had begun on April 6 in Acapulco, with plans to remain at sea for 170 of its 254 days.

Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, expressed her condolences on social media, writing, “Our solidarity and support go out to the families of the fallen sailors. We honor their service.”

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and Mexican authorities, has launched an investigation into the incident. Initial indications suggest a propulsion failure, but officials emphasized that the inquiry is ongoing and all possibilities are being considered.

After the collision, tugboats helped guide the damaged vessel up the East River, passing under the Manhattan Bridge before safely docking at a secure pier. Crowds gathered late into the night to watch the operation unfold, reflecting the public’s fascination and sorrow over the rare and tragic maritime event.

Eyewitness Footage

Shortly after the accident, a dramatic video capturing the exact moment the Cuauhtemoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge surfaced on social media. The footage shows the ship’s masts striking the bridge and snapping apart as onlookers watched in shock. This rare visual documentation offers a firsthand glimpse into the chaos that unfolded that evening in New York.

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