Mexican Navy Training Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge: Tragedy Strikes New York’s Waterfront
On the evening of May 17, 2025, a dramatic maritime accident unfolded in New York City when the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc struck the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in two fatalities and at least 19 injuries, including four in critical condition. The incident, captured in harrowing videos by bystanders, involved the ship’s towering masts snapping upon impact, leaving crew members dangling precariously from the rigging. Here’s a detailed account of the event, its aftermath, and the ongoing investigation.
The Collision: A Catastrophic Chain of Events
The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot-long tall ship with a crew of 277 (mostly cadets), was departing Pier 17 in Manhattan around 8:20 p.m. as part of a global goodwill tour. The vessel, adorned with a massive Mexican flag and festive lights, was en route to Reykjavik, Iceland, when it lost power and drifted uncontrollably toward the Brooklyn Bridge. Eyewitnesses described the ship moving backward, its 147-foot masts—exceeding the bridge’s 135-foot clearance—colliding with the span in a series of deafening snaps.
Eyewitness Accounts:
- Nick Corso, 23, recalled hearing sounds like “a big twig breaking” before chaos erupted aboard the ship.
- Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz saw crew members dangling from harnesses for 15 minutes before rescue.
- Bystanders fled the waterfront as the ship veered toward the shore, with debris from the masts raining onto the deck.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
The collision killed two crew members who fell from the masts, while 19 others were injured, including four critically. Remarkably, no one fell into the water, though sailors were left stranded on the rigging until emergency crews arrived. The NYPD Harbor Unit and SCUBA teams swiftly launched a rescue operation, aided by tugboats that guided the crippled ship to Pier 36.
Statements from Officials:
- Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the bridge suffered no structural damage and reopened after a 40-minute closure.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences, pledging support for the victims’ families.
- The Mexican Navy cited a “mishap” but emphasized transparency in the investigation.
Investigating the Cause
Preliminary reports point to mechanical failure as the primary cause. NYPD Chief Wilson Aramboles stated the captain lost power, leaving the ship at the mercy of the current. Questions remain about why backup measures—like dropping anchors or using the rudder—weren’t employed. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken over the inquiry.
Expert Analysis:
Retired Capt. Alfred S. McLaren, a nuclear submarine veteran, called the incident “inconceivable,” criticizing the crew’s failure to deploy anchors.
The Cuauhtémoc: A Ship with a Storied Past
The Cuauhtémoc, nicknamed the “Ambassador and Knight of the Seas,” was built in 1982 as a training vessel for Mexican naval cadets. Its current voyage, spanning 22 ports in 15 countries, began in Acapulco on April 6. The ship’s visit to New York was part of a promotional tour for Sail4th, a 2026 event celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Broader Implications and Reactions
- Tourism Impact: The collision occurred near Brooklyn Bridge Park, a popular sunset spot, leaving tourists traumatized.
- Diplomatic Fallout: Mexican and U.S. officials are collaborating on the response, with consular teams assisting injured cadets.
- Safety Concerns: The accident highlights risks posed by tall ships in urban waterways, prompting calls for stricter clearance protocols.
