On the evening of May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy’s training ship Cuauhtémoc collided with New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to at least 19 others.
Incident Overview
The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot tall ship with three masts, was departing from Pier 17 in Manhattan as part of a goodwill tour when it lost power around 8:20 p.m. This mechanical failure caused the vessel to drift uncontrollably, leading to a collision with the bridge’s structure. The impact snapped the ship’s main and mizzen masts, causing parts of the rigging to collapse.
At the time of the accident, 277 individuals were aboard the ship, including cadets and crew members. Emergency responders swiftly evacuated 27 people for medical assessment and treatment. Among the injured, four were reported in critical condition.
Aftermath and Response
Despite the severity of the collision, the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major structural damage and was reopened later that evening. The Mexican Navy confirmed the incident and expressed its commitment to transparency and the safety of its personnel. An internal investigation is underway, and the U.S. Coast Guard, along with the National Transportation Safety Board, is also examining the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Background on Cuauhtémoc
Commissioned in 1982, the Cuauhtémoc serves as a training vessel and goodwill ambassador for the Mexican Navy. The ship had departed Mexico on April 6 and arrived in New York on May 13, where it was open to visitors. It was en route to Iceland and scheduled to visit France and Scotland before the accident halted its mission.
This tragic event has cast a shadow over the ship’s longstanding tradition of fostering international goodwill and maritime training. Authorities continue to investigate the incident to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of naval operations.
