On the evening of May 17, 2025, a tragic and highly unusual accident took place in the heart of New York City, leaving two people dead and 19 injured. The incident occurred when a Mexican Navy training ship, known as Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge as it attempted to pass under it. The ship, which had 277 people aboard, was part of the Mexican Navy’s training program, and its crash into the iconic bridge has raised numerous questions about the circumstances surrounding the event.
The Event Unfolds
The ship was attempting to sail under the Brooklyn Bridge at around 8:20 PM when its towering masts made contact with the structure. This collision caused the masts to collapse, leading to significant damage and loss of life. Two crew members tragically lost their lives, and 19 others sustained injuries. Among the injured, two are reported to be in critical condition.
As soon as the news broke, authorities were quick to respond. Wilson Aramboles, New York’s police chief, confirmed that the ship had left a pier in Manhattan and was not originally on a course that would bring it near the Brooklyn Bridge. An initial report from the police indicated that the ship experienced a mechanical failure, causing it to lose power while under the bridge. The ship then drifted toward the bridge, and its masts were too tall to clear the structure. In an attempt to reverse, the ship’s masts ultimately toppled over the bridge.
Statements From Authorities
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City expressed his condolences and praised the efforts of first responders, saying in a statement released via Twitter:
“Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, two of which remain in critical condition, and two more have sadly passed away from their injuries. We are praying for everyone on board and their families and are grateful to our first responders who quickly jumped into action, ensuring this accident wasn’t much worse. Following our preliminary inspection, we can confirm that the bridge sustained no damage and is now open to the public.”
The Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, also expressed her grief following the tragic accident. She said:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in New York Harbor. Our sympathy and support go out to their families. The Navy, with the support of local authorities, is currently treating the wounded. The Mexican ambassador to the United States and staff from the Mexican Consulate General in New York are supporting the Navy.”
What Happened During the Incident?
According to witness accounts, the moment of the collision was both terrifying and surreal. Flavia Moreira, who was walking along the promenade when the incident occurred, described how the ship seemed to be getting closer and closer to the bridge. She said:
“We could see some people being kind of dragged. There were some staff members on top of the boat, and they were swinging back and forth as soon as the ship hit the bridge. The ship was so close to us that we could see all those people struggling to hold on, trying not to fall from the boat.”
Law enforcement officials later confirmed that the two people who tragically died had fallen from one of the masts during the collision. The horrifying sight of crew members being thrown from the top of the ship added to the shock of the onlookers.
The Investigation: What Went Wrong?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Officials are working to determine exactly what went wrong with the ship’s propulsion system and why it lost power at such a crucial moment. The ship had been navigating the waters of New York Harbor before it came into proximity with the Brooklyn Bridge, but the mechanical failure meant it was unable to control its movement under the bridge’s span.
There are also questions regarding whether any precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the ship and crew in such a densely populated and highly trafficked area. Investigators will look into whether there was sufficient communication between the ship’s crew and the authorities about its movements and whether any navigational errors contributed to the tragic outcome.
The ship crashed into the bridge on Saturday (Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images)
A Closer Look at the Cuauhtémoc
The Cuauhtémoc is a 270-foot-long training vessel of the Mexican Navy. It is used primarily for training cadets and is often referred to as a “tall ship” due to its large sails and towering masts. The ship, named after the last Aztec emperor, has sailed across the globe for various training missions and goodwill tours. The Cuauhtémoc is well-known within maritime circles for its impressive stature and historical significance.
As the investigation continues, authorities are keen on learning whether the ship’s large masts contributed to the accident. The collision itself has raised several questions about the clearance heights of the Brooklyn Bridge and the coordination required for large vessels passing under such iconic structures.
Community Response and Support
The tragic accident has resonated not only in New York but across the nation and even internationally. Many in the local New York community are relieved to hear that the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no damage. However, the loss of life has been a blow, especially for the Mexican Navy and the families of the deceased.
First responders were immediately hailed for their quick actions during the aftermath of the crash, and the community has rallied around the families involved. Both New York City and Mexican authorities have pledged their support for those affected by the incident.
As the investigation continues, there is a significant focus on ensuring such an accident does not occur again. With ships regularly navigating waterways beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, experts are already discussing ways to enhance navigational systems, communication, and safety measures.
Authorities have explained why the crash happened (MADISON SWART/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
The Broader Impact of the Incident
This tragedy has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities inherent in maritime navigation near major infrastructure such as the Brooklyn Bridge. While the accident was not intentional, it serves as a reminder of the need for rigorous safety protocols and the potential hazards involved in maneuvering large ships through busy and restricted waterways.
For the Mexican Navy, the loss of two members is a deep sorrow, and the ship’s crew will undoubtedly face a long period of mourning as investigations proceed. Mexico’s leadership has promised full support to the victims’ families and has pledged to cooperate with U.S. authorities to fully understand the cause of the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the focus will remain on ensuring the safety of all those involved in such operations and preventing future accidents. For now, the lives of the two crew members lost will be honored, and their families will receive the care and support they need during this difficult time.
