On May 17, 2025, an unprecedented maritime tragedy unfolded when Mexico Navy’s training vessel Cuauhtemoc collided with New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge, leading to two deaths and 19 injuries (four critical) sustained by both parties involved – as reported by Wikipedia and several media outlets (The Sun +13; Times of India +13 and Sky News both +5). This collision claimed two crewmembers’ lives while injuring 19 others (four critical). For more details visit Wikipedia +5 and Sky News +5.
Incident Overview
The Cuauhtemoc, a 297-foot tall ship built in 1982 and sailing out of Manhattan as part of a global goodwill tour when it lost power around 8:20 p.m. It drifted in reverse along the East River before its two 147-foot masts struck against the underside of Brooklyn Bridge causing them to break and collapse; eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as sailors were seen hanging from its rigging and bystanders fled in panic en masse; BBC +7, The Times +7, Wikipedia +7 @EconomicTimes +7 Reuters +7 The Sun +7 Times of India +10.
Emergency Services The New York Fire Department and New York Police Department Harbor Unit responded swiftly, conducting rescue operations to evacuate injured personnel from the ship and treating 27 individuals at nearby medical facilities for injuries they had sustained during this incident. No one fell into the water during this event – as noted by Wikipedia, Fox News and Reuters (who all provided coverage).
No major structural damage was sustained during the collision; after an intensive inspection later that evening, traffic on both directions of the Brooklyn Bridge was resumed after being temporarily suspended for inspection and then later opened to both directions again for traffic flow. @EconomicTimes * +2
Investigation and Reactions
Initial reports indicate that mechanical failure caused a loss of power on board, leading to uncontrollable drift. The National Transportation Safety Board has begun an investigation, while New York City Mayor Eric Adams extended condolences to victims’ families while emphasizing maritime safety. Afterward, this story appeared in The Sun +4 umplut The Times =4 umplut Wikipedia
The Cuauhtemoc, named for the last Aztec emperor, had been docked at South Street Seaport from May 13-17 as part of its international mission and offering public tours as part of this international initiative. En route to Iceland via several European ports before the accident occurred. Its New York Post/Wikipedia/11 Reuters/11 CBSNews 11 The Times (12).
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This incident has raised concerns regarding navigational safety on urban waterways and operating procedures for tall ships near low-clearance structures. Authorities are reviewing safety measures in order to avoid similar occurrences in future.
