Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Leaving Two Dead
- JB Quinnon
- May 18
- 2 min read
Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Leaving Two Dead
On May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy's training ship Cuauhtémoc collided with New York City's Brooklyn Bridge,
resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. as the vessel was departing from Pier 17 in Manhattan. A mechanical failure led to a loss of power, causing the ship to drift in reverse and its masts to strike the underside of the bridge. New York PostSky News
Casualties and Injuries
The collision caused the ship's three masts to snap, with debris falling onto the deck. Two crew members lost their lives, and at least 19 others sustained injuries, including four in critical condition. Emergency responders, including the NYPD and FDNY, quickly arrived on the scene to provide assistance. People.com
Details About the Ship
The Cuauhtémoc is a 297-foot-long, 40-foot-wide barque used for training naval cadets. Commissioned in 1982, the vessel was on a goodwill tour, having departed from Acapulco on April 6. New York City was one of its scheduled stops before heading to Iceland.
Immediate Effects and Emergency Response
Following the collision, the ship was towed away from the bridge area. The Brooklyn Bridge underwent a preliminary inspection and was found to have no major structural damage, allowing it to reopen shortly after. City officials advised residents to avoid the vicinity due to emergency response activities.
Current Status and Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that a mechanical failure led to the loss of power, causing the ship to drift uncontrollably. The Mexican Navy has also stated that it will conduct its own internal review. Wikipedia
Contextual Background
The Cuauhtémoc serves as a training vessel for the Mexican Navy, participating in international goodwill missions. Its collision with the Brooklyn Bridge highlights the challenges of navigating large sailing ships through urban waterways, especially under mechanical duress. The incident has prompted discussions on maritime safety protocols and the importance of rigorous maintenance checks.Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
Video Footage
Eyewitnesses captured the collision on video, showing the ship's masts striking the bridge and breaking apart. One such video can be viewed here:The Independent+2Fox News+2NBC New York+2
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the complexities involved in maritime navigation and the critical importance of vessel maintenance and emergency preparedness.
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