In a shocking and tragic turn of events on the evening of May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy’s tall ship, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge during its departure from New York Harbor. The crash, which occurred at approximately 8:26 p.m. EDT, resulted in two fatalities and left at least 25 crew members injured, two of them critically. The incident occurred as the 270-foot-long training vessel, carrying 277 personnel, made its way out of the harbor after participating in New York City’s fleet week celebrations.
The Incident
The Cuauhtémoc, named after the last Aztec emperor, is a majestic training ship used by the Mexican Navy to teach naval cadets. On May 17, the ship was departing from New York Harbor after a successful public event for Fleet Week, which draws crowds and ships from around the world to the city. The vessel, known for its tall masts and striking appearance, had been part of the festivities held in honor of the U.S. Navy and military history.
At approximately 8:26 p.m. EDT, as the Cuauhtémoc was navigating under the Brooklyn Bridge, it lost propulsion. Authorities believe that the engine failure caused the ship to drift uncontrollably into the bridge’s iconic structure. Witnesses on the waterfront and nearby bridges heard a deafening crash as the ship struck the bridge’s steel structure, and several masts of the ship collapsed under the impact. The topgallant masts snapped, sending large pieces of the ship’s rigging into the waters below.
A major concern, aside from the physical damage to the ship, was the debris that fell into the river. While there were no reports of injuries to civilians, the event caused significant disruption in one of New York’s busiest waterways.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Emergency response teams from various agencies sprang into action, responding within minutes of the incident. Firefighters from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), alongside personnel from the New York Police Department (NYPD) Harbor Unit, and the U.S. Coast Guard, swiftly arrived at the scene.
The FDNY set up a dual command post on both the Brooklyn and Manhattan sides of the bridge to help coordinate the rescue and recovery efforts. Firefighters, aided by NYPD officers, worked together to secure the wreckage and provide medical attention to those injured. The critically injured crew members were quickly transported to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, where they received emergency care. The fire department confirmed that 25 individuals sustained injuries of varying degrees, including two who were described as being in life-threatening condition.
“Our first responders acted with professionalism and urgency to save lives,” said FDNY Chief of Training, Michael Meyers. “While the situation was chaotic, our teams worked seamlessly to ensure the safety of all involved.”
Investigation Underway
While emergency services focused on rescuing and caring for the injured, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began its investigation into the cause of the collision. Preliminary reports suggest that a mechanical failure led to the power loss on the ship, but no definitive cause has been announced. The NTSB has promised a thorough investigation, including reviewing the ship’s engine history, crew statements, and other potential contributing factors.
The Brooklyn Bridge, an iconic piece of infrastructure that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, was not structurally damaged in the collision, though all lanes were temporarily closed for over two hours to allow for the rescue operation. The bridge reopened at approximately 10:30 p.m. that same evening.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited the scene of the incident, expressing his concern for the victims and commending the swift actions of emergency responders. “This is a heartbreaking incident, and our thoughts are with the families of those lost and injured. The safety of all those who use our waterways is a priority, and we will support all efforts to understand what happened,” Adams said in a statement to the press.
Mexican Navy’s Response
In the aftermath of the crash, the Mexican Navy issued a statement expressing deep sorrow for the loss of life and the injuries sustained by its personnel. Mexican officials stated that they were cooperating fully with U.S. authorities, including the NTSB, as the investigation continues.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event. Our primary concern is the well-being of our crew, and we are committed to transparency in our investigation. We will work with all parties involved to understand the cause of this disaster,” a spokesperson for the Mexican Secretariat of the Navy said.
The Cuauhtémoc is a critical part of the Mexican Navy’s training program and has participated in numerous goodwill visits to ports around the world. It is known for its symbolic role in fostering international cooperation and promoting maritime education. The ship’s involvement in Fleet Week 2025 was part of a broader effort to celebrate U.S.-Mexican relations and the shared naval history between the two countries.
Safety Concerns and Public Reaction
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about safety protocols for foreign naval vessels operating in U.S. waters. Several maritime experts have called for a review of the regulations surrounding the operation of foreign ships, particularly those that visit large metropolitan areas with busy waterways like New York City.
“I think it’s important that we take a hard look at the systems in place for foreign vessels operating in our waters,” said maritime safety expert, Captain David Hayes. “While the Cuauhtémoc is a beautiful vessel, this tragedy serves as a reminder that we need robust safety protocols for all ships, regardless of their origin.”
Many New Yorkers, including those who witnessed the collision, expressed shock and disbelief over the event. One eyewitness, who was on a nearby rooftop at the time of the incident, described the scene as “surreal.” “You don’t expect something like that to happen, especially not with a ship as famous as the Cuauhtémoc,” they said. “It was just heartbreaking to see.”
Moving Forward
As investigations continue, both the U.S. and Mexican governments have pledged to take every necessary step to prevent a similar incident in the future. The Mexican Navy has confirmed that it will be reviewing its training procedures, including contingency plans for power loss at sea, and will continue to provide support to the families of the two deceased sailors.
While the future of the Cuauhtémoc remains uncertain, one thing is clear—the ship’s tragic collision with the Brooklyn Bridge has underscored the importance of maritime safety and the need for effective cooperation between nations when such accidents occur. The U.S. Coast Guard, in partnership with the Mexican Navy, is committed to learning from this incident to enhance safety standards for all vessels navigating in U.S. waters.
