A Mexican Navy training vessel collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, leaving two crew members dead and 19 others injured, including two critically. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the details.
The ARM Cuauhtémoc, a tall-masted sailing vessel, was on a goodwill mission when it lost power while attempting to pass under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Video footage captured the ship’s masts striking the bridge, sending debris onto the deck. The Cuauhtémoc is 297 feet long and 40 feet wide.
At the time of the crash, 277 people were aboard the vessel. Thankfully, no crew members fell into the water, and authorities have accounted for everyone. While initial reports from Mexico’s Navy indicated 22 injuries, later updates confirmed that 19 people were injured, with three in serious condition. Tragically, two crew members died in the incident.
Ship’s background and investigation
The Cuauhtémoc, built in Spain in 1982, serves as a training ship for the Mexican Navy. It was on an eight-month world tour, with stops in Jamaica, Portugal, and Iceland. The ship left Acapulco, Mexico, on 6 April, carrying cadets who were completing their naval training. The mission also aimed to promote the Sail4th 250 celebration in 2026, which will mark the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The collision caused damage to the ship. It lost the tops of two of its three masts. Several crew members were on the rigging during the crash, which contributed to the fatalities and injuries. Fortunately, the Brooklyn Bridge did not sustain significant damage. Authorities confirmed this after an initial inspection, and the bridge reopened to the public.
Bystanders recorded footage showing the masts snapping as they collided with the bridge’s 135-foot clearance. One clip captured a voice shouting, “She’s about to crash.”
Emergency teams responded swiftly. They guided the damaged ship to safety near the Manhattan Bridge. It remains anchored at Pier 16, and authorities plan to move it to Pier 36 for further inspection.
After the incident, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences. She said she was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life.
Both US and Mexican authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which is thought to have resulted from a mechanical failure or power outage. The ship has since been towed away for further examination.
