Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge

Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Injuring 19

Incident Overview

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, a Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtémoc, struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City at around 8:30 p.m. The collision injured 19 people, with three in critical condition, according to a source cited by CNN.

The ship’s towering 147-foot masts hit the underside of the bridge, causing significant damage to the vessel. The incident triggered a large-scale emergency response, with the NYPD and FDNY rushing to the scene. All lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge were briefly closed but reopened by 10:30 p.m.

The ship, carrying 277 passengers, was on a promotional tour and training cruise. No structural damage to the bridge was reported, per the NYPD.

Background of the Cuauhtémoc

The Cuauhtémoc is a three-masted sailing vessel built in Spain in 1982, used by the Mexican Navy to train naval cadets. Measuring 297 feet long and 40 feet wide, it is a symbol of Mexican maritime pride, often flying a large green, white, and red flag.

The ship arrived in New York Harbor on Tuesday for a goodwill visit, docked at Pier 17, and offered free public tours. It was part of a planned 254-day journey to 22 ports across 15 nations, including Cuba, Iceland, and France. The annual cruise follows cadets’ classroom training, providing hands-on experience. The collision halted the ship’s journey, leaving it stranded near the Manhattan Bridge.

How the Collision Happened

The Cuauhtémoc was navigating the East River during a departure maneuver when the incident occurred. Eyewitness videos show the ship’s masts scraping the bridge’s road deck, snapping and collapsing onto the deck below. Some reports suggest the ship struck scaffolding or a gantry on the bridge’s underside, which swung in the aftermath.

The Mexican Navy stated the crash damaged the vessel, preventing further travel. Authorities are investigating whether the ship’s captain misjudged the bridge’s clearance height.

Videos indicate the ship veered slightly after the impact, nearly hitting a nearby pier before stopping. The NYPD reported heavy traffic on the bridge at the time, but no injuries occurred on the span itself.

Eyewitness Accounts

Bystanders captured the dramatic scene on video, expressing shock as the collision unfolded. Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz, watching the sunset, saw the ship’s mast snap and noticed someone dangling from ropes high on the vessel. “It was crazy,” said Jack Cassidy, who witnessed the mast hit the bridge’s walkway side, causing lights to go out and debris to fall.

A woman filming remarked, “It crashed!” as the mast struck, while another X user described the ship “blaring Mexican music” before it “got destroyed.” Onlookers at Brooklyn Bridge Park screamed as the masts broke, with some initially mistaking the vessel for a pirate ship. The vivid footage spread quickly online, highlighting the chaos.

Official Statements and Response

The Mexican Navy confirmed the incident in a Spanish-language X post, stating the Cuauhtémoc was damaged during a maneuver, halting its training cruise. They emphasized their commitment to personnel safety and transparency. The NYPD launched an investigation, advising drivers to avoid the bridge and nearby areas like the South Street Seaport and Dumbo.

The New York Fire Department responded to injury reports but lacked details on the number or location of victims. The U.S. Coast Guard noted at least 20 injuries, with some crew members possibly falling into the East River, prompting a search and rescue operation. Injured passengers were taken to the Brooklyn Navy Yard and local hospitals. The NYC Emergency Management agency called the situation “developing,” urging caution as details emerged.

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