A Mexican Navy training sailing ship, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the underside of New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to at least 19 others, officials confirmed.
The collision occurred around 8:30 p.m. as the Cuauhtémoc was navigating the East River during a promotional tour. The ship’s three masts struck the bridge’s deck, causing the tops of the masts to snap and partially collapse.
Videos captured the dramatic moment, showing debris falling onto the ship’s deck and sailors suspended in the rigging of the damaged masts.
The vessel, flying a large Mexican flag, subsequently drifted toward the riverbank near the South Street Seaport as bystanders hurried away.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams reported that two individuals died in the incident, with both fatalities believed to have resulted from falls from the ship’s masts.
Nineteen people were injured, including four in serious or critical condition.
All injuries occurred aboard the ship; no injuries were reported on the bridge or in the water, and no one fell into the river. The Mexican Navy stated that 22 personnel were injured in total, with 19 requiring hospitalisation.
Officials confirmed that the Brooklyn Bridge, a historic landmark completed in 1883 and a vital link between Manhattan and Brooklyn, sustained no significant structural damage. The bridge was temporarily closed for about 40 minutes following the collision but has since reopened after inspections.
The Mexican Navy acknowledged that the damage to the Cuauhtémoc prevented it from continuing its voyage, which was part of a worldwide training tour. The navy reiterated its commitment to personnel safety and transparency during the ongoing review of the incident.
Preliminary reports suggest the ship lost power before the collision, and mechanical failure is considered a likely factor.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the accident. New York City police and fire departments, alongside federal agencies, are cooperating in the inquiry.
