On the evening of May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy's tall ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, resulting in a tragic accident that left two crew members dead and at least 19 others injured. The incident occurred around 8:26 p.m. as the vessel was navigating the East River during a goodwill tour.
🚢 Incident Overview
The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot-long, three-masted barque built in 1982, was carrying 277 people, including naval cadets and crew members. As the ship attempted to pass under the Brooklyn Bridge, it lost power and was swept by the current into one of the bridge's pillars. The collision snapped the ship's main and rear mizzen masts, causing significant damage to the vessel and injuring several individuals on board.
⚠️ Casualties and Injuries
Two crew members lost their lives in the accident, and at least 19 others sustained injuries, with four reported in critical condition. Emergency responders, including the NYPD Harbor Unit and FDNY, quickly arrived at the scene to provide medical assistance and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
🏗️ Bridge and Ship Damage
Despite the severity of the collision, the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major structural damage and was reopened to traffic later that evening. The Cuauhtémoc, however, suffered significant damage to its masts and rigging, halting its planned voyage to Iceland as part of its international goodwill mission.
🔍 Investigation
The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that a mechanical failure led to the loss of power, causing the ship to drift into the bridge. The Mexican Navy has acknowledged the accident and is cooperating fully with local authorities during the investigation.
🇲🇽 Diplomatic Response
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences to the families of the deceased crew members and emphasized the importance of the ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the accident. The Cuauhtémoc has served as a goodwill ambassador for Mexico, visiting numerous countries over its 40-year history.
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