Tragedy on the East River: Mexican Navy Ship Cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge
New York City, NY – May 18, 2025 – A scene of maritime pride and public spectacle turned into one of horror and tragedy last night, Saturday, May 17, 2025, as the majestic Mexican Navy training tall ship, the ARM "Cuauhtémoc," collided with the historic Brooklyn Bridge. The shocking incident has left two crew members dead and nearly twenty others injured, casting a somber shadow over the city and a nation.
What Happened: A Routine Maneuver Ends in Disaster
The "Cuauhtémoc," a celebrated three-masted barque, was reportedly maneuvering in the East River with 277 people on board when disaster struck. According to initial statements from the New York Police Department (NYPD), the vessel suffered a sudden loss of power. This critical mechanical failure appears to have left the ship unmanageable, causing it to veer towards the Brooklyn side of the iconic bridge.
The ship's towering masts, which proudly carry its sails and rigging, were too high to clear the bridge's span. Harrowing footage and eyewitness accounts describe the sickening crunch as the masts made contact with the underside of the bridge, snapping and collapsing onto the deck below. Tragically, authorities have confirmed that several crew members were positioned on these masts at the moment of impact.
The Human Cost: Lives Lost and a Community Shaken
The immediate aftermath was one of chaos and terror. Onlookers who had gathered to witness the impressive vessel described scenes of panic. "Lots of screaming, some sailors hanging from the masts," one witness, Nick Corso, told AFP. These terrifying moments underscored the grave danger faced by the crew.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the devastating news: two individuals lost their lives in the accident. At least 19 others sustained injuries, with some reported to be in critical condition, though different sources have cited slightly varying numbers of injured, up to 22 or 25. Emergency services, including the FDNY and NYPD, launched a large-scale rescue operation, working to evacuate the injured and secure the vessel.
The "Ambassador and Knight of the Seas"
The ARM "Cuauhtémoc" is more than just a naval vessel; she is a symbol of pride for Mexico, often dubbed the "Ambassador and Knight of the Seas." Launched in 1982, the ship serves as a training vessel for cadets of the Mexican Naval Academy, undertaking long voyages across the globe each year to instill maritime skills and foster international goodwill.
Before the tragic incident, the "Cuauhtémoc" had been docked at Pier 17 in Manhattan, welcoming visitors as part of a scheduled stop. She had departed Acapulco, Mexico, on April 6th and was reportedly on her way to Iceland, the next port of call on a months-long training mission that was to include visits to 15 countries.
The Response and Ongoing Investigation
Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, stating, "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." He also confirmed that a preliminary inspection of the Brooklyn Bridge revealed no major structural damage, and the bridge was subsequently reopened.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum conveyed her profound sadness over the loss of the two crew members, offering solidarity and support to their families. The Mexican Navy has officially acknowledged the collision, stating that the incident occurred during a sailing maneuver and that the condition of personnel and the vessel is under review in coordination with U.S. authorities.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to lead the investigation into the precise cause of the mechanical failure and the sequence of events that led to this tragic collision. Key questions will revolve around the nature of the power loss, the actions taken by the crew, and adherence to navigational protocols in the challenging waters of the East River.
A Sobering Reminder
The collision of the "Cuauhtémoc" with the Brooklyn Bridge is a stark and sobering reminder of the inherent risks of maritime operations, even for experienced crews and well-maintained vessels. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on the welfare of the injured, honoring the memory of those lost, and learning critical lessons to prevent such tragedies in the future. Our thoughts are with the crew of the "Cuauhtémoc," their families, and the entire Mexican Navy during this incredibly difficult time.