Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Killing Two and Injuring Nineteen in Mechanical Failure
A tragic accident unfolded on Saturday evening when the Mexican Navy training ship ARM Cuauhtémoc collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to 19 others. The incident, attributed to a mechanical failure, has prompted an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and drawn condolences from officials in both the United States and Mexico.
2025-05-19 14:40:46 - VI News Staff
At approximately 8:20 p.m. ET, the Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot, three-masted sailing vessel, was navigating the East River after departing from Pier 17 in Manhattan’s South Street Seaport. The ship, carrying 277 passengers—primarily naval cadets, officers, and crew—was part of a global goodwill tour and had been docked in New York since May 13 for public viewing as part of the Sail4th 250 events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
According to New York Police Department Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles, the vessel suffered a mechanical failure, causing it to lose power and veer uncontrollably toward the Brooklyn Bridge. The ship’s masts, which stood at 147 feet, exceeded the bridge’s 135-foot clearance at its center, leading to a catastrophic collision. All three masts were sheared off upon impact, sending debris crashing onto the deck and leaving several sailors dangling from harnesses.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that two crew members perished, and 19 others were injured, with two in critical condition as of early Sunday morning. The critically injured were transported to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan. No injuries were reported among pedestrians or motorists on the bridge, and no one fell into the East River.
The New York Fire Department (FDNY) and NYPD responded swiftly, deploying marine units and rescue teams to evacuate and treat the injured. FDNY marine units transported Rescue 2 and Rescue 4 teams to the vessel, removing 27 people for medical treatment. “The police, fire, and EMS did a tremendous job of working together to get everyone off that ship safely,” said an FDNY spokesperson.
The Brooklyn Bridge, a 142-year-old landmark, was temporarily closed to traffic for a preliminary inspection by the New York City Department of Transportation. Inspectors found no significant structural damage, and the bridge was reopened to traffic later that night.