Mexican Navy’s Cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge

Collision of the Mexican Navy's Cuauhtémoc and Brooklyn Bridge

News Summary

In a tragic incident, the Mexican Navy’s training ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge after losing power. The accident resulted in the deaths of two crew members and left many others injured. Eyewitnesses described chaos as masts collapsed, but luckily the bridge suffered no major damage and was quickly reopened. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the power failure, while the community expresses support for the families affected by the disaster.

Tragic Collision: Mexican Navy’s Cuauhtémoc Hits Brooklyn Bridge

In an accident that shocked both locals and visitors, the Mexican Navy’s training ship, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge on the night of Saturday, May 17, 2025. This stunning incident unfolded when the 297-foot vessel lost power while navigating under the bridge, leading to a catastrophic crash that resulted in the tragic loss of life.

The Night of the Incident

The Cuauhtémoc, carrying 277 passengers at the time of the accident, was on a goodwill tour, making its way from Mexico to various international ports, including Iceland. Just days prior, on May 13, it had arrived in New York City, and its presence was highly anticipated.

However, a sudden loss of power caused the ship to drift towards the Brooklyn Bridge as the captain attempted to maneuver it. Footage from the scene shows the vessel’s tall masts slamming into the structure, with the three masts collapsing in the aftermath. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene with crew members hanging perilously from the collapsing masts as panic erupted among the crowd witnessing the disaster.

The Human Cost

Sadly, the collision had devastating consequences. Two crew members lost their lives due to the injuries sustained during the crash, while at least 19 others were reported injured, with two individuals remaining in critical condition. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, and although total chaos ensued initially, all personnel aboard were eventually accounted for, and remarkably, no one fell into the water.

The Brooklyn Bridge: No Major Damage

Fortunately, after a prompt preliminary inspection, the Brooklyn Bridge was found to have suffered no significant damage and was reopened shortly after the accident, allowing the daily flow of vehicles and pedestrians to resume. The bridge has a clearance height of 135 feet, which usually accommodates vessels passing below without issue. However, the towering main mast of the Cuauhtémoc, standing around 158 feet tall, proved to be a dangerous factor on that fateful night.

Investigation Underway

The preliminary assessment indicates that the collision was likely due to mechanical issues and the aforementioned power cut. The captain’s navigation was reportedly compromised, leading the ship toward the bridge. There is a commitment from local authorities, including the Mayor, to conduct further investigations into why the power failure occurred to ensure similar incidents don’t happen in the future.

Community Response

In the aftermath, the community has shown an outpouring of support and condolences for the families of the deceased crew members. The President of Mexico expressed her deep sadness over the tragic loss, highlighting the importance of the training ship, which plays a significant role in training naval military school cadets annually. The Cuauhtémoc is not just a vessel; it signifies the spirit of goodwill as it travels to 22 ports across 15 nations over a period of 254 days.

A Memory to Reflect On

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers maritime vessels can face, and it reignites conversations about safety regulations and protocols for ships navigating busy waters, especially in densely populated urban areas. As investigations continue, the thoughts of many will be with the crew members who faced unimaginable peril that night.

As the memories of the tragic evening settle in, the community remains united in hope for the recovery of those injured and in mourning for those lost.