New York City — May 18, 2025
A Mexican Navy training vessel struck the Brooklyn Bridge Friday night in a catastrophic maritime incident that killed two and injured at least 25, including cadets on board. The ship, ARM Cuauhtémoc, lost power while navigating the East River, causing it to drift uncontrollably into the iconic structure just after 8:20 p.m.
The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot-long tall ship launched in 1982, was on a ceremonial goodwill voyage with 277 people aboard—primarily naval cadets—when the crash occurred. As the vessel approached the bridge during its planned departure from New York Harbor, it experienced a sudden power failure. Witnesses reported seeing the ship veer off course, its towering masts colliding with the underside of the bridge.
The force of the impact sheared off three masts and sent debris raining into the water. Dozens of sailors and cadets were thrown off balance, with several suffering blunt-force trauma. Emergency response teams from the FDNY, NYPD, and U.S. Coast Guard arrived swiftly on the scene. Victims were triaged at a casualty collection point at Pier 16 and transported to nearby hospitals. Two individuals were pronounced dead on arrival, while two others remain in critical condition.
“I saw the ship just before it hit,” said Brooklyn resident Javier Morales, who was walking along the promenade. “It looked majestic—then suddenly, chaos. The sound of splintering wood was deafening.”
Despite the dramatic collision, the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major structural damage. Authorities briefly halted vehicle and pedestrian traffic as engineers inspected the bridge, declaring it safe for use late Friday night.
The ARM Cuauhtémoc had docked in New York on May 13 as part of a 254-day international voyage scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 countries. The voyage has now been suspended indefinitely pending investigations and repairs.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, focusing on the reported mechanical failure. Preliminary assessments suggest the ship’s engines shut down moments before the crash, leaving the crew powerless to prevent the collision. The Mexican Navy has pledged full cooperation with U.S. authorities and has launched its own internal inquiry.
In a statement released early Saturday, the Mexican government expressed deep sorrow and gratitude for the rapid response by American emergency crews. “Our hearts are with the families of the fallen,” read the statement, “and we are committed to uncovering exactly what led to this terrible tragedy.”
The Cuauhtémoc has long been a symbol of Mexican naval pride and diplomacy, often referred to as a “floating embassy.” The ship’s future remains uncertain as officials assess the damage and weigh options for repair.
