Mexican Naval Vessel Collides with Brooklyn Bridge in New York, Claiming Two Lives
A Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtemoc, crashed into the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, causing a tragic incident that led to the death of at least two people and injuries to 19 others. According to the city's mayor, Eric Adams, this heartbreaking event unfolded on May 17, 2025[1].
In a statement, Adams confirmed that of the 277 individuals aboard, 19 sustained injuries. Among them, four continued to battle critical conditions, while the deaths of two crew members weighed heavily on everyone's hearts[1]. Videos posted online captured the chilling instance as the ship sailed beneath the bridge and an unfortunate encounter ensued, causing the top of its three majestic masts to collide with the bridge[2].
The masts snapped and partially crumbled as they struck the deck of the bridge, and the vessel, adorned with a towering green, white, and red Mexican flag, drifted towards the river's edge[2]. Witnesses onshore reported seeing sailors perched atop the damaged masts[2]. The circumstances leading to this tragic accident remains under investigation, but preliminary reports point towards a possible loss of power and malfunctioning mechanical systems as the ship was maneuvered[1].
Bystanders reported observing one individual dangling high on the ship for about 15 minutes before being rescued, while others were taken away on stretchers aboard smaller boats[2]. The historic Brooklyn Bridge, which spans a staggering 490 meters and opened in 1883, faced significant structural obstacles but was remarkably spared substantial damage[3].
This unfortunate incident has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the community, with the Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, expressing her deepest condolences to the families of the victims[4]. The Mexican Navy, for its part, has conveyed that the Cuauhtemoc remains out of commission until further inspection and investigation are concluded[4]. As federal, naval, and local authorities work together to gather all the facts and assess the situation, our thoughts lingering with the injured, will remain steadfast with the families of the victims in the hope of finding justice.
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References:
[1] Enrichment: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/18/nbc-news-mexican-navy-ship-runs-aground-on-brooklyn-bridge[2] Enrichment: https://www.washingtonpost.com/us/2025/05/17/mexican-navy-ship-brooklyn-bridge/[3] Enrichment: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/brooklyn-bridge[4] Enrichment: https://www.mexico.gob.mx/Noticias/Autoridades-se-aproximan-a-estudio-de-accidente-del-buque-naval-cuauhtemoc
- Despite the tragic accident involving the Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtemoc, and the Brooklyn Bridge, the bridge managed to avoid substantial damage.
- The incident, classified as a general-news story, has not only led to a loss of life but also sparked political discussions about the ongoing investigation into the possible loss of power and malfunctioning mechanical systems.
- Besides the ship accident, terrorism and war have dominated the international news cycle, but the Cuauhtemoc incident has also highlighted the importance of addressing crime and justice issues, such as car-accidents, at the local level.
- On this somber day, the community grapples with the impact of the accident, as the families of the victims seek justice and President Sheinbaum expresses her condolences, while the Mexican Navy works diligently to determine the cause of the incident.
