Cuauhtémoc CRASHES in NYC – Tour TURNS Tragic

Mexican Navy’s training vessel Cuauhtémoc crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge during a goodwill tour in New York City, leaving two dead and 19 injured after losing power in the East River.

At a Glance

  • The 300-foot Mexican Navy training vessel Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge after suffering a power loss at approximately 8:20 p.m. ET
  • The collision resulted in two fatalities and 19 injuries, with two people critically injured
  • The ship’s masts snapped and partially collapsed upon impact, with eyewitnesses reporting seeing someone dangling from the rigging
  • The vessel was carrying 277 people as part of a planned 254-day international training journey
  • The Brooklyn Bridge did not sustain structural damage according to NYC Department of Transportation inspectors

Deadly Collision with Historic Landmark

A Mexican Navy training vessel crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday evening, resulting in two deaths and leaving 19 others injured. The Cuauhtémoc, a 300-foot steel-hulled barque with three masts, lost power at approximately 8:20 p.m. ET before drifting into the iconic New York City landmark. The ship had been in New York as part of a goodwill tour and was carrying 277 crew members and cadets when the accident occurred.

Dramatic eyewitness videos captured the moment of impact, showing the vessel’s tall masts scraping against the underside of the bridge before snapping and partially collapsing. The ship then drifted toward the river’s edge as emergency responders rushed to the scene. The collision disrupted what had been planned as a festive display, with decorative lights visible on the ship at the time of the crash.

Swift Emergency Response

New York City emergency services mobilized immediately following the collision. FDNY marine units and EMS workers quickly established a casualty collection point and transported the injured to local hospitals. Three individuals were reported to be in critical condition. The Mexican Navy confirmed that all 277 passengers were safely removed from the vessel, though the status of personnel remains under review.

“We knew immediately that we had a serious incident with a boat striking the bridge, so we had reports of people in the water,” said Michael Meyers, FDNY’s chief of training.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed gratitude to first responders while offering condolences to those affected by the tragedy. The NYC Department of Transportation conducted immediate inspections of the Brooklyn Bridge, a 141-year-old landmark that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, and reported no signs of structural damage despite the collision’s severity.

Training Mission Halted

The Cuauhtémoc had departed from Acapulco, Mexico, on April 6 for what was planned as a 254-day journey visiting 22 ports across 15 nations. The Mexican Consulate had previously announced the ship’s arrival in New York and invited the public to visit between May 13 and 17. The vessel, launched in 1982, serves as both a training ship for cadets and as a goodwill ambassador for Mexico during international port calls.

“The Secretary of the Navy renews its commitment to the safety of personnel, transparency in its operations and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Armada,” the Mexican navy stated following the incident.

Maritime investigators and local authorities have begun examining factors that may have contributed to the collision, including tide levels, weather conditions, and communication protocols. The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Mexican Embassy in New York are providing assistance to the cadets and crew members. Meanwhile, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico has expressed support and maintains contact with Mexican authorities as the investigation continues.

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