A Mexican navy sailing ship experienced a significant accident on Saturday when it collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge during a promotional tour in New York City. The ship, identified as the Cuauhtemoc, had its three masts strike the bridge, resulting in partial collapse as it floated in the East River. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage captured the dramatic moment, showcasing the masts snapping and the chaotic aftermath.
The New York Fire Department confirmed that authorities responded to the scene due to reported injuries, although details regarding the number of affected individuals remain unclear. It is not yet known whether those injured were on board the Cuauhtemoc or on the Brooklyn Bridge itself. Eyewitness videos depicted heavy traffic on the bridge at the time of the incident, further complicating the situation.
Witnesses Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz shared their experience with The Associated Press, describing how they were enjoying the sunset when the collision occurred. They recounted seeing one of the masts snap and, upon closer inspection, observed someone dangling precariously from the ship. “We saw someone dangling, and I couldn’t tell if it was just blurry or my eyes,” Katz explained. “We were able to zoom in on our phone, and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them.” The pair also witnessed two individuals being transported from the ship on stretchers to smaller boats.
The Mexican Navy addressed the situation via a post on the social media platform X, confirming that the Cuauhtemoc, an academy training vessel, sustained damage from its collision with the Brooklyn Bridge. The Navy noted that the accident has hindered the vessel's ability to continue its voyage. They assured the public that the status of personnel and material is being evaluated by both naval and local authorities, who are currently providing assistance. In their statement, the Secretary of the Navy reiterated their commitment to personnel safety, operational transparency, and high-quality training for future officers of the Mexican Armada.
The Brooklyn Bridge, a historic landmark that opened in 1883, features a main span of nearly 1,600 feet (490 meters) supported by two masonry towers. It sees over 100,000 vehicles and approximately 32,000 pedestrians each day, making it a vital thoroughfare and a popular tourist attraction. The Cuauhtemoc, measuring about 297 feet long and 40 feet wide (90.5 meters long and 12 meters wide), first set sail in 1982. Each year, it embarks on a training voyage for naval cadets after the academic year concludes.
This year, the Cuauhtemoc departed from the Mexican port of Acapulco on April 6, carrying 277 people onboard. The vessel was scheduled to visit 22 ports across 15 nations, including Kingston, Jamaica; Havana, Cuba; Cozumel, Mexico; and New York. Its itinerary also included stops in Reykjavik, Iceland; Bordeaux, Dunkirk, and Saint Malo in France; and Aberdeen, Scotland, spanning a total of 254 days, with 170 of those days spent at sea.
