New York (Agencies): A Mexican Navy training ship, Cuauhtémoc, struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, killing two crew members and injuring at least 20 others, including four in critical condition. The vessel, carrying 277 people, reportedly lost power before the collision, causing it to drift backward into the bridge.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. as the ship was departing from Pier 17 on a global goodwill tour, en route to Iceland. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with sailors seen dangling from the ship’s towering masts after they snapped upon impact. Parts of the masts reportedly fell onto the deck, injuring several crew members who were standing on them at the time.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major damage and was reopened after a brief closure for inspections. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured support for the injured. Mexico’s ambassador to the U.S. and the Mexican Consulate General were also present at the scene, coordinating assistance efforts.
The ship has since been moved to Pier 36 to allow passengers to disembark, while investigations into the cause of the crash continue. Preliminary reports suggest mechanical failure may have led to the loss of power, but officials have cautioned that further analysis is needed. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the inquiry into the accident, as Mexican and U.S. authorities coordinate efforts to assess the damage and provide assistance.
Emergency responders, including the FDNY, NYPD Harbor Unit, and the U.S. Coast Guard, arrived at the scene shortly after the collision. Injured individuals were transported to nearby medical facilities, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the damage to the ship. The Brooklyn Bridge, a historic suspension bridge completed in 1883, has a vertical clearance of 127 feet (39 meters), making navigation beneath it challenging for tall vessels.
Videos circulating online captured the dramatic moment when the ship’s masts, decorated with lights, collided with the bridge. Bystanders at the base of the bridge were seen fleeing as the ship approached. Officials confirmed that no one fell into the water during the incident.
The Cuauhtémoc, a sail training vessel of the Mexican Navy, had been docked at South Street Seaport from May 13 to May 17 as part of a routine visit. The ship, which has a listed height of 147 feet (44.81 meters), was on an annual training cruise at the time of the collision. Mexican naval authorities have promised transparency in their ongoing review of the incident.