Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Two Dead
NEW YORK (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday evening when the Mexican navy training ship, Cuauhtemoc, struck the iconic Brooklyn Bridge during a goodwill tour, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuring at least 19 others. The collision occurred at approximately 8:20 PM, snapping all three of the ship’s masts, while some sailors were left precariously dangling from harnesses.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that the bridge, which has stood since 1883, sustained no significant damage, and no injuries were reported among the pedestrians or motorists crossing at the time. Eyewitnesses captured startling footage as the ship reversed towards the bridge with alarming speed. One observer described the terrifying “snapping” sound of the masts breaking while chaos erupted on board.
The Cuauhtemoc, which carried 277 people, drifted towards a nearby pier after the impact. Swift rescue efforts were initiated to bring sailors down from the damaged rigging. The cause of the ship’s veering route is under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting a mechanical failure led to the loss of power.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences for the lost lives, extending solidarity to the families affected. The Cuauhtemoc, approximately 297 feet long, is nicknamed a training vessel for naval cadets and had set sail from Acapulco on April 6, 2025, for a lengthy international journey.
Traffic across the Brooklyn Bridge was halted immediately following the incident but resumed after an inspection cleared it for use. The ship, once secured, was slowly towed up the East River past the Manhattan Bridge.
This unfortunate collision marks a poignant moment in the Cuauhtemoc’s global mission, which included visits to 22 ports across multiple nations. Further investigations are underway to establish the exact circumstances of the incident.
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