Mexican Navy Sailboat Crashes into Brooklyn Bridge, Killing Two and Injuring 19 after Power Failure

By
George Yang
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A Mexican Navy training sailboat crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, resulting in two deaths and multiple injuries in a dramatic incident that unfolded along New York City’s waterfront.

The sailing vessel Cuauhtémoc, carrying 277 people, struck the underside of the iconic bridge at approximately 8:26 PM local time on 17 May 2025 (8:26 AM on 18 May 2025 in Singapore).

New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that two people died and 19 others were injured in the collision, with two of the injured in critical condition.

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Here’s what happened.

The Incident

The accident occurred when the ship lost power while the captain was maneuvering the vessel, forcing it to head toward the bridge abutment on the Brooklyn side.

Video footage shows the ship’s towering masts clipping the bridge as it passed underneath. Crew members were standing on the masts-a traditional ceremonial practice during port arrivals and departures-when they snapped and fell to the deck.

“There was lots of screaming, some sailors hanging from the masts,” said Brooklyn resident Nick Corso, who witnessed the accident.

According to a law enforcement source speaking to CNN, the two fatalities occurred when individuals fell from one of the ship’s masts and were later pronounced dead at a nearby medical facility.

Emergency Response

Following the collision, all lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge were temporarily closed in both directions but reopened by 10:30 PM after preliminary inspections showed no structural damage to the bridge.

The New York Police Department advised residents to avoid the Brooklyn Bridge area, South Street Seaport in Manhattan, and Dumbo in Brooklyn due to significant traffic and emergency vehicle presence.

The Ship

The Cuauhtémoc is a 94-metre-long and 40-metre-wide Mexican Navy training vessel that first sailed in 1982.

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The ship’s masts were reported to be 48.2 metres tall, while the Brooklyn Bridge has a clearance of 41.15 metres at its centre.

Each year, the vessel sets sail at the end of classes at the naval military school to complete cadets’ training.

This year, the Cuauhtémoc departed from the Mexican port of Acapulco on 6 April 2025, with Iceland as its final intended destination.

Official Statements

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed deep sadness over the loss of two crew members in the accident.

The Mexican Navy stated in a post on social media that “the condition of the personnel and equipment is being assessed by naval and local authorities, who are extending their support”.

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The National Transportation Safety Board arrived on site and began its investigation, with preliminary information suggesting the collision was likely caused by mechanical issues with the sailboat.

The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico offered support for those affected by the incident, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected. We are closely in touch with the Government of Mexico to provide assistance as needed”.

Prior to the accident, the Mexican Consulate in New York had announced that the training ship would be docking at Pier 17, inviting the public to visit free of charge from 13 to 17 May.

Here’s what NCMPs are, and what to expect after GE2025:

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George Yang
Email: [email protected]