Manhattan NY

May 19, 2025
A somber incident unfolded in New York Harbor Saturday night when the historic Mexican naval training tall ship, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The devastating crash resulted in the tragic deaths of two crew members and left over 20 others injured.

At approximately 8:20 PM on Saturday, May 17th, the majestic three-masted barque, carrying 277 individuals, struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge. The impact was severe, causing the ship's masts to snap and leading to a chaotic scene.

Emergency responders, including the FDNY, swiftly arrived at the scene. According to initial reports, 27 individuals required medical attention. In a statement released shortly after midnight on May 18th, New York City Mayor Eric Adams shared the heartbreaking news: "At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries." Mayor Adams expressed his condolences and commended the rapid response of the first responders, stating, "We are praying for everyone on board and their families and are grateful to our first responders who quickly jumped into action, ensuring this accident wasn’t much worse."

Investigation

Preliminary investigations, as detailed by NYPD Chief of Special Operations Wilson Aramboles at a press conference, suggest a mechanical malfunction led to the catastrophic event. The Cuauhtémoc had departed from Pier 17, embarking on a voyage to Iceland. Chief Aramboles explained that the ship's captain reported a "loss of power," causing the vessel to veer unexpectedly towards the bridge. Tragically, several sailors who were aloft on the masts at the time of the collision sustained injuries.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch emphasized that all currently available information is preliminary and subject to ongoing investigation.

The news of the tragedy resonated internationally, with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo expressing her profound sorrow in a statement on X: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in New York Harbor." The identities of the deceased have not yet been publicly released.

The Cuauhtémoc, a familiar sight to New Yorkers having been docked at the Seaport Museum between May 13th and May 17th, suffered significant damage in the collision, with the U.S. Coast Guard confirming the loss of all three of its masts.

A Mexican Navy training ship is seen near the Manhattan Bridge after it slammed into the nearby Brooklyn Bridge in New York on May 17, 2025.Angela Weiss / AFP

Despite initial concerns, Chief Aramboles clarified that no individuals fell into the water. The injured were all located on board the vessel. FDNY marine units successfully reached the ship, providing on-site treatment for serious injuries after EMS teams were dispatched.

Following the incident, all lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge were temporarily closed in both directions to ensure public safety and allow emergency services to manage the situation. However, the New York City Emergency Management Department announced the reopening of the bridge shortly thereafter.

From the Mayor

Mayor Adams further stated that an initial inspection revealed that the Brooklyn Bridge itself "sustained no damage" from the collision.

This tragic event marks a somber moment for both New York City and the Mexican Navy. Investigations are underway to fully understand the circumstances that led to this devastating accident. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and all those affected by this tragedy.