On the evening of May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy’s tall ship, Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The incident occurred around 8:26 p.m. as the vessel was departing from Pier 17. A reported mechanical failure caused the ship to lose power, leading it to drift backward into the bridge.
The Cuauhtémoc, a 90.5-meter-long training ship with masts reaching 147 feet, was on a global goodwill tour with 277 individuals on board, primarily cadets. During the collision, the ship’s masts struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge, snapping upon impact. Two crew members who were on the masts at the time fell and were later pronounced dead at local hospitals. Additionally, 19 others sustained injuries, with some in critical condition.
Emergency responders, including the FDNY and NYPD Harbor Unit, swiftly arrived at the scene to assist the injured and secure the area. The Brooklyn Bridge, a historic landmark completed in 1883, sustained no significant structural damage and was reopened after inspections. (Wikipedia)
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and gratitude to New York officials for their prompt response. The Cuauhtémoc has since been docked at Pier 16, with plans to move it to Pier 36 for further assessment. Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Mexican Navy are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.