In a tragic incident on Saturday evening, a Mexican navy sailing ship named the Cuauhtemoc collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, resulting in the loss of two crew members and severe injuries to several others. The ship was on a global goodwill tour when it struck the bridge, snapping its three masts and leaving some sailors suspended in the air, awaiting rescue.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that while the 142-year-old Brooklyn Bridge largely escaped major damage, at least 19 of the 277 individuals aboard the Cuauhtemoc required medical treatment following the incident. Tragically, two of the four crew members who sustained serious injuries later succumbed to their wounds, as announced by Adams on social media early Sunday morning.
Eyewitness accounts captured the moment of the collision, with multiple videos showing the Cuauhtemoc moving swiftly in reverse towards the bridge before its masts struck the bridge’s span. The impact resulted in the masts snapping one after another, while heavy traffic was observed on the bridge during the 8:20 p.m. incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among pedestrians or vehicles on the bridge.
After the collision, the Cuauhtemoc drifted into a pier along the East River, while onlookers watched in horror. Sailors could be seen precariously hanging from the damaged masts, but remarkably, no one fell into the river. Witnesses, including Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz, recounted the harrowing scene as they watched from a distance, with Katz describing the tense moments as a sailor dangled from a harness for over 15 minutes before being rescued.
Nick Corso, another eyewitness, shared his shock at the sudden chaos. He initially intended to capture a picturesque sunset but instead heard a series of loud snaps as the masts broke. As panic ensued aboard the ship, Corso witnessed several crew members hanging from the rigging, prompting a sense of disbelief that felt almost cinematic.
The Mexican navy later issued a statement on the social media platform X, clarifying that the Cuauhtemoc serves as an academy training vessel. They reported that a total of 22 individuals were injured, with 19 needing medical assistance. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences for the deceased crew members, extending solidarity and support to their families.
The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, features a main span of nearly 1,600 feet (490 meters) supported by two towering masonry structures. It is a vital thoroughfare, accommodating over 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians daily. Following the incident, city officials halted traffic across the bridge, but it was allowed to resume after a thorough inspection confirmed no significant structural damage.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collision, with New York Police Department Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles stating that the ship had just departed a Manhattan pier and should have been heading out to sea, not towards the bridge. Initial reports suggest a mechanical failure may have caused the pilot to lose control.
The Cuauhtemoc measures approximately 297 feet long and 40 feet wide (90.5 meters long and 12 meters wide) and first set sail in 1982. The vessel boasts a main mast that rises to a height of 160 feet (48.9 meters). As the evening progressed, the damaged ship was slowly towed up the East River by a fleet of tugboats, eventually docking at a pier while onlookers gathered to witness the unfolding events.
Each year, the Cuauhtemoc embarks on a global journey at the conclusion of classes for naval cadets, with this year's voyage beginning on April 6 from the Mexican port of Acapulco. The ship made its way to New York City on May 13, where it welcomed visitors for several days. Over the course of its journey, the Cuauhtemoc is scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 countries, spending a total of 254 days at sea.
This incident has raised questions about maritime safety and oversight as investigations continue into the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
