What We Know So Far: Mexican Navy Ship Cuauhtémoc Crashes into Brooklyn Bridge, Killing Two Crew Members

Brooklyn, NY – In a tragic maritime incident on Friday night, May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy’s tall training ship Cuauhtémoc crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge while ceremonially departing New York City. The accident killed two sailors and injured at least 22 others, including four critically, according to The New York Times.

Power Loss Blamed for Catastrophic Impact

The Cuauhtémoc was sailing as part of a global goodwill tour with 277 personnel aboard. As is naval tradition, dozens of cadets were positioned on its masts in full ceremonial formation when the vessel lost power and began drifting backward. The ship’s 147-foot masts collided with the bridge’s underside around 8:20 p.m., snapping violently on impact and sending debris onto the deck.

Emergency services responded swiftly. Two crew members were pronounced dead at the scene. The rest of the injured were transported to local hospitals, with four in critical condition as of Saturday morning.

Presidential Condolences and Immediate Investigations

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences and ordered full support for the victims’ families. U.S. authorities, including the Coast Guard and the NYPD Harbor Unit, have launched investigations, alongside the Mexican Navy.

Eyewitness Video Goes Viral

Footage of the collision shared by journalist Benny Johnson on social media shows the precise moment the Cuauhtémoc’s masts scrape the bridge before crumpling down. The video has since gone viral and is being used as part of the official investigation.

▶ Watch the video

Bridge Inspections and Reopening

Engineers conducted emergency inspections and declared the Brooklyn Bridge structurally safe. It was reopened to traffic early Saturday morning. Officials stated that debris removal and damage assessments on the Cuauhtémoc will continue at Pier 36, where the ship is docked.

Authorities stress that while such ceremonial voyages are a proud naval tradition, maritime safety protocols may now undergo review as a result of this preventable tragedy.