Brooklyn Bridge Collision: Mexican Navy Ship Crash Leaves 2 Dead

🇺🇸 Tragedy on the East River: Mexican Navy Ship Cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Killing 2 Crew Members

New York City, May 18, 2025 – A tragic maritime accident struck the heart of New York City on Saturday night as the Mexican Navy’s tall ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in the death of two crew members and injuries to more than 20 individuals.

⚓ What Happened?

At approximately 8:26 PM EDT on May 17, 2025, the Cuauhtémoc, a 277-foot training vessel carrying 277 people, lost power while navigating the East River, causing it to drift uncontrollably. The vessel struck the underside of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, snapping all three of its towering masts.

Witnesses reported a loud crash followed by emergency sirens as the ship's crew scrambled to regain control. Tragically, two crew members fell from the masts during the impact and succumbed to their injuries.

🧭 Ship’s Purpose: A Mission of Peace Turned Tragic

The Cuauhtémoc is a beloved training vessel of the Mexican Navy and was on a global goodwill voyage, having docked in New York on May 13. The ship was participating in the Sail4th 250 celebrations, marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

🚑 Casualties and Injuries

According to officials:

• 2 fatalities were confirmed, both Mexican naval personnel.

• At least 22 others were injured, including several in critical condition.

• Emergency services responded swiftly, and the injured were transported to local hospitals.

🏗️ Brooklyn Bridge Status

Despite the impact, the Brooklyn Bridge was not structurally damaged and was reopened to traffic after an overnight inspection. However, the incident has sparked fresh discussions about maritime traffic safety in the East River.

🕵️ Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are investigating the mechanical failure that caused the ship to drift. Early reports indicate the vessel lost propulsion while attempting to maneuver, and the crew was unable to prevent the collision. The Cuauhtémoc is now docked at Pier 16, awaiting further inspection and eventual relocation to Pier 36.

🇲🇽 Reaction from Mexico

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly mourned the deaths, expressing her condolences to the families and praising the bravery of the fallen sailors. She emphasized the ship's role in diplomacy and peace, calling the incident a "deep national loss."

A Mexican Navy ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025, killing two and injuring 22. Full story on the tragic incident, investigation, and aftermath.

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