In a tragic maritime incident on the evening of May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy’s training vessel, ARM Cuauhtémoc, collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The accident resulted in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to at least 19 others, including four in critical condition .The Washington Post
⚓ The Incident
At approximately 8:26 p.m. Eastern Time, the Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot tall ship with three masts, was navigating the East River as part of its global goodwill tour. The vessel, carrying 277 people, lost power and struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge. The impact caused all three of the ship’s towering masts to snap, with some crew members left dangling from harnesses high above the deck .AP News+3ABC7 New York+3AP News+3
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the ship’s masts collapsed and emergency responders rushed to assist the injured. Despite the severity of the collision, the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major structural damage and was reopened later that night after inspections confirmed its integrity .Wikipedia+2The Washington Post+2@EconomicTimes+2
🛠️ Emergency Response and Investigation
Emergency services, including the FDNY, NYPD Harbor Unit, and the U.S. Coast Guard, responded swiftly to the scene. Injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the collision, with preliminary reports suggesting a mechanical failure led to the loss of power .Wikipedia+1Fox News+1
🇲🇽 The Cuauhtémoc’s Mission
The ARM Cuauhtémoc, named after the last Aztec emperor, is a sail training vessel of the Mexican Navy, built in 1982 in Spain. It serves as a goodwill ambassador, participating in international events and training naval cadets. The ship had arrived in New York on May 13 and was scheduled to continue its tour to Iceland, France, and Scotland before the accident occurred .@EconomicTimes+4Wikipedia+4The Times+4
🕊️ Condolences and Support
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting those affected. New York City Mayor Eric Adams also extended his sympathies and praised the emergency responders for their prompt action .
Tags:
- Mexican Navy ship accident
- Cuauhtémoc collision Brooklyn Bridge
- Brooklyn Bridge maritime incident
- ARM Cuauhtémoc crash
- New York City ship collision
- Maritime accident investigation
- Mexican Navy training vessel
- Brooklyn Bridge safety
- East River ship accident
- International naval incidents