A serious maritime incident occurred Saturday evening when the Mexican Navy’s training ship, Cuauhtémoc, collided with New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge, injuring at least 22 crew members — including three reported in critical condition.
Videos circulating on social media showed the tall ship’s masts striking the underside of the bridge as it attempted to sail beneath it. The collision caused parts of two masts to snap and crash onto the deck, where several sailors were positioned at the time.
During a press conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated that while the Brooklyn Bridge appeared structurally sound, the vessel sustained extensive damage, including the loss of mast sections. He also confirmed that no one fell into the East River and all personnel were accounted for.
“There are multiple injuries onboard, including three serious cases,” Adams said. However, officials from the Mexican Navy later indicated that four individuals were critically injured. All the injured crew members were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The U.S. Coast Guard is overseeing the emergency response alongside local agencies. The vessel will remain docked in New York until it undergoes a comprehensive inspection.
According to Mexican authorities, Cuauhtémoc was making a goodwill port call as part of an international tour. The ship left Acapulco on April 6, carrying 277 personnel—mostly naval cadets undergoing final training.
Constructed in 1982, the 297-foot-long, 40-foot-wide ship is an integral part of the Mexican Navy’s academic curriculum and frequently embarks on global training missions for cadets of the Naval Military School.
Eyewitnesses near the South Street Seaport in Manhattan and the DUMBO area of Brooklyn described scenes of confusion and alarm as the ship approached the bridge. Many had gathered to welcome the vessel but quickly dispersed after the collision.
The New York Police Department cordoned off parts of the waterfront and issued a traffic advisory, urging the public to avoid the affected areas. “Expect delays and heavy traffic near the Brooklyn Bridge,” the NYPD warned in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The Mexican Navy has announced a formal investigation to determine the cause of the accident. It acknowledged the damage and pledged full cooperation with U.S. authorities.
The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny over the safety protocols for tall ships navigating city waterways. Officials have not yet clarified whether the cause was a miscalculation, mechanical issue, or human error.
Despite the incident, the Brooklyn Bridge—built in 1883 and a major New York landmark—remains open to both vehicles and pedestrians after passing structural assessments.
