On the evening of May 17, 2025, a dramatic collision occurred when the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
The incident, which took place around 8:30 p.m. EDT, has left several people injured and prompted a swift response from local authorities. Here’s what we know about the event, its causes, and the current situation.
When and Where Did the Crash Happen?
The collision occurred on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m. EDT. The Cuauhtémoc, a 270-foot tall ship, was navigating the East River when one of its 147-foot masts struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge, a historic landmark connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Videos captured by bystanders show the mast snapping and crashing onto the ship’s deck, creating a chaotic scene along the Brooklyn waterfront.
Preliminary reports suggest the Cuauhtémoc was on a promotional tour and training cruise in New York Harbor when the accident occurred.
The Mexican Navy stated on social media that the ship encountered a “mishap” during a sailing maneuver, leading to the collision.
The exact cause—whether human error, mechanical failure, or environmental factors—remains under investigation by naval and local authorities.
The ship, built in 1982 for training cadets, was reportedly preparing to depart New York when the incident happened.
The Cuauhtémoc carried approximately 200 to 277 crew members, primarily Mexican Navy cadets and officers.
The vessel, known for its striking three-masted design and large Mexican flag, is a training ship used to prepare future naval officers. No passengers or tourists were reported on board, as the ship was not operating as a commercial cruise.
The collision resulted in multiple injuries, with reports varying on the severity. According to the New York Fire Department, at least three people were critically injured, and around a dozen others sustained serious injuries.
Some sources reported that crew members were thrown into the East River, prompting a search and rescue operation.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) and FDNY confirmed that all 250 occupants onboard have been accounted for, with no fatalities reported at this time.
Injured crew members were transported to local hospitals and the Brooklyn Navy Yard for treatment.
The Brooklyn Bridge was temporarily closed to traffic in both directions for inspections, but it reopened around 10:30 p.m. EDT after the NYPD confirmed no visible structural damage to the bridge.
The Cuauhtémoc sustained significant damage, particularly to its masts, and is currently unable to continue its voyage. The ship remains stranded near the Brooklyn Promenade as authorities assess the damage.
The NYPD, New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), and the Mexican Navy are investigating the incident.
Emergency vehicles and personnel continue to monitor the area, and the public has been advised to avoid the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, and DUMBO due to heavy traffic and ongoing operations.
New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed concern for those affected, stating on X: “I’m praying for everyone who was on this ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge this evening.”
Additional Important Information
- The incident was captured on video by bystanders, including X user @orenjinoir, who recorded the moment the mast struck the bridge. Social media posts described the scene as a “mass casualty event,” reflecting the initial panic.
- The Cuauhtémoc had arrived in New York Harbor earlier in the week and was expected to participate in future events, including a potential parade of tall ships in 2026.
- Eyewitness Andrew Perloff, a DUMBO resident, described the ship as looking “like a ghost ship” as it nearly careened into Brooklyn Bridge Park.
- The Mexican Navy emphasized its commitment to transparency and crew safety, stating that it is working with local authorities to review the incident.
The collision of the Cuauhtémoc with the Brooklyn Bridge has shocked New Yorkers and raised questions about maritime safety in the busy East River.
While the bridge itself appears undamaged, the human toll—marked by critical injuries and a disrupted training mission—underscores the severity of the incident.
As investigations continue, authorities are focused on ensuring the safety of those involved and preventing future accidents.
For updates, check @NotifyNYC for emergency alerts.
Watch what happened in real time below-
Leave a Reply