Mexican Navy Training Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, 2 Dead

Mexican Navy Training Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, 2 Dead

3 minute read
Published: 5/18/2025

A Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtémoc, crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, injuring nineteen people, including four seriously, prompting a search and rescue operation amid chaotic scenes.

The crash, which occurred around 8:30 PM, has raised concerns over maritime safety as authorities reported that the Cuauhtémoc lost power before the collision. With nineteen injuries reported and conflicting reports on fatalities, the incident has garnered the attention of the National Transportation Safety Board, which is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the ship's mishap during its goodwill tour.

Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes as the Cuauhtémoc made its approach towards the iconic bridge. "People were screaming and running away from the shore, it was terrifying to watch," remarked one observer who had been taking photographs of the ship before the incident. The vessel, known for its impressive three-masted design, reportedly had a crew of 277 members on board, and distressing accounts noted that at least some crew members were seen dangling from the ship's masts amidst the chaos following the collision.

As the Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, immediate emergency services were dispatched to the scene. The Brazilian Navy confirmed that a search and rescue operation was underway in the aftermath. First responders faced difficulty due to the ongoing structural concerns regarding the bridge, which had to be temporarily closed to all traffic during the emergency response efforts.

The injuries reported have led authorities to activate additional safety protocols. Of the nineteen injured, at least four individuals were reported to have serious injuries, with varying conditions being monitored closely by medical personnel. Patients were quickly transported to local hospitals, where updates on their health have been closely tracked as officials assess the gravity of the situation overall.

The Cuauhtémoc, a Mexican Navy training vessel, was on a goodwill tour aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties through naval training and cultural exchange. The investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will likely scrutinize the crash involving the ship.

As investigations continue, conflicting reports about possible fatalities emerged, with some sources suggesting two lives may have been lost. Authorities have stated that they are actively working to verify these claims. The potential for fatalities in such a high-profile incident adds a complex layer to the ongoing investigation, with officials remaining cautious in their communications as next of kin are urgently notified.

Following the incident, the Brooklyn Bridge has since reopened to normal pedestrian and vehicular traffic. However, city officials are considering implementing new safety measures to prevent future maritime accidents in the heavily trafficked New York Harbor. Transportation experts have raised awareness about the need for regular assessments of maritime protocols to ensure the safety of both waterway users and those on the land.

As part of the broader operational review, the incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that accompany international goodwill tours. The Cuauhtémoc, a Mexican Navy training vessel, was involved in a significant incident when it crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in injuries and a subsequent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.