Mexican Navy Ship Strikes Brooklyn Bridge, Multiple Injuries Reported

A Mexican Navy training vessel known as the Cuauhtémoc struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday evening around 8:26 p.m., according to the New York Police Department (NYPD) and Mexican naval authorities.

At least 19 people have been reported injured with four people suffering serious injuries, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Newsweek reached out to the NYPD via email on Saturday for comment.

The Context

The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot-long sailing vessel that first launched in 1982, is a sailing vessel used primarily for training Mexican naval cadets and typically makes international goodwill voyages to various ports.

The ship was apparently departing New York Harbor when the incident occurred, though the specific circumstances that led to the collision have not yet been disclosed. The incident involves one of Mexico’s most prominent naval training vessels and New York’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge, which serves over 100,000 vehicles and 32,000 pedestrians daily.

Beyond the immediate injuries and damage to the historic sailing ship, the collision raises significant questions about maritime safety protocols in New York Harbor, particularly regarding tall ship clearance under the city’s bridges.

The accident has temporarily disrupted both the vessel’s international training mission and traffic on a crucial transportation artery.

What To Know

The Cuauhtémoc was carrying an unconfirmed number of personnel when the accident occurred. The ship departed from Acapulco on April 6 with 277 people aboard for what was planned as a 254-day journey to 22 ports across 15 nations. Video from CNN affiliate WABC shows the vessel stopped at the base of the bridge with tugboats responding to the scene.

All lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge were briefly closed following the incident but had reopened by 10:30 p.m., according to New York emergency officials.

Eyewitness videos captured the vessel’s three masts snapping and partially collapsing upon impact with the bridge deck. The collision occurred while the ship was performing a “departure maneuver” in the East River, according to Mexican Navy statements.

The Mexican Navy confirmed the incident in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, noting that the sailboat sustained damage during the collision.

What People Are Saying

New York City Mayor Eric Adams to reporters during a press conference: “We want to first thank God that the 277 passengers onboard of this Mexican vessel were all removed.”

Official account of the Mexican Navy on X, formerly Twitter: “During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtémoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being. The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support.”

The account added: “The Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy.”

NYC Department of Transportation on X: “NYC DOT bridge inspectors have been on site since this evening’s boat crash. While inspections will remain ongoing, there are no signs of structural damage to the Brooklyn Bridge.”

NYC Emergency Management on X: “NYCEM is responding to an incident at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge. The situation is developing and details are not confirmed at this time. Emergency alerts, including recommended actions, will be issued through @NotifyNYC as updates become available.”

What Happens Next

Officials reported no major damage to the Brooklyn Bridge during Saturday evening’s press conference. The NYPD has advised residents to avoid the areas around Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport in Manhattan, and Dumbo in Brooklyn due to heavy emergency vehicle presence.

Emergency responders are currently treating the injured, with particular focus on the three individuals reported to be in critical condition. Maritime investigators and local authorities will work to determine the exact cause of the collision, examining factors such as tide levels, weather conditions, and communication protocols between the vessel and harbor authorities.

Update 5/17/25, 11:43 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.