Tragic Incident Involving Mexican Navy Ship at Brooklyn Bridge

A Mexican Navy ship, while on a diplomatic mission, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuring at least 17 others seriously, according to officials.

The vessel, Cuauhtémoc, is a grand 270-foot training ship operating with a crew of 277. It had set sail from New York City towards Iceland when it lost power in the East River around 8:30 PM and drifted into the bridge. The impact caused the ship’s 147-foot mast to snap, startling the crew and onlookers, some of whom were celebrating nearby.

Witness Elijah West recounted, “The boat was under the bridge, and the sailors were on board. The sails struck the bridge, and then people were falling from the sails… we all started running.”

Social media videos captured the moment the mast crumpled, with one onlooker exclaiming, “She’s about to crash,” before reacting in panic.

Ismari Romero, 43, described how the festive atmosphere quickly turned somber, noting, “We were celebrating and saying goodbye. Then as they reached the Brooklyn Bridge, people began screaming and crying.”

New York Mayor Eric Adams explained that the ship lost propulsion and was carried by the current. Fortunately, while the Brooklyn Bridge suffered minor structural damage, it was subsequently reopened.

Photographer Aya Assan, who had just finished a photo shoot nearby, expressed her disbelief at what she witnessed, saying, “I saw someone hanging there… it was horrifying.”

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Alfred S. McLaren remarked on the incident as “unconceived,” questioning whether the crew had properly anchored or utilized controls to prevent the collision.

The Cuauhtémoc is currently docked at Pier 16 where emergency teams are conducting rescue and recovery operations. Details about the deceased crew members have not yet been disclosed.

Mexican President Claudia Sinbaum issued a statement expressing her deep sorrow over the tragedy.

Cuauhtémoc, built in Spain in 1982, is part of an eight-month global voyage intended to promote the 2026 Sail 4th Tall Ship parade while commemorating the semi-centennial of the United States. It was expected to participate among 30 tall ships in the celebrations.

The Mexican Navy has initiated a formal investigation into the incident.