Tragedy Strikes as Mexican Navy Training Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge
New York City, May 18, 2025 — A catastrophic incident occurred on Saturday evening involving a Mexican Navy training ship that resulted in the loss of two lives and left 19 others injured after the vessel collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
According to reports, the Cuauhtémoc, a tall ship involved in naval training, was navigating the East River when it lost power and struck the bridge shortly before 8:30 PM EDT. New York City Mayor Eric Adams held a press conference on Saturday night, confirming that 277 people were aboard the ship at the time of the incident. While many passengers suffered injuries, at least four individuals were reported to be in serious condition, and tragically, two succumbed to their injuries.
Details of the Incident
NYPD Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles stated that all injuries occurred inside the ship and that somehow, nobody fell into the water. The vessel was reportedly preparing to disembark for Iceland when the accident took place.
Inspection teams from the New York City Department of Transportation evaluated the Brooklyn Bridge following the incident and determined that there were no visible signs of structural damage to the historic landmark.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses in the vicinity of the bridge described the horrifying moments surrounding the crash. Torrey Leonard recounted hearing a loud crunch followed by screams from the crowd, emphasizing the chilling nature of the event. “Our hearts were skipping a beat because it was just horrible,” Leonard said, reflecting on the distress felt among locals. Videos surfaced showing the ship drifting backward and then colliding with the bridge, resulting in the upper masts breaking apart. Sailors were seen precariously hanging from the rigging, adding to the chaos of the situation.
Official Statements
The Mexican Navy later issued a statement on social media acknowledging that the Cuauhtémoc sustained damage during a routine maneuver. Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, the Mexican ambassador to the U.S., shared that the ship had been in service for approximately 20 years and had just arrived in New York from Cozumel, Mexico, on May 13.
Current Situation and Traffic Update
The authorities have urged pedestrians to avoid the areas surrounding the Brooklyn Bridge, including the South Street Seaport in Manhattan and the DUMBO district in Brooklyn. Although the bridge was temporarily closed to all traffic post-incident, it has since reopened to vehicles and commuters. The Brooklyn Bridge, with its original opening in 1883 and a main span of nearly 1,600 feet, remains one of the most celebrated landmarks in New York City.
Injuries Overview
| Injury Severity | Count |
|---|---|
| Serious Injuries | 4 |
| Minor Injuries | 15 |
| Fatalities | 2 |
As the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) progresses, further updates regarding the precise cause of the collision and the sequence of events leading to this tragic incident are anticipated.
