A Mexican navy ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge during a promotional stop in New York, leaving 19 people injured. The incident occurred as the ship, named Cuauhtemoc, was making its way along the East River as part of an international tour.
New York Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the injuries at a press conference. Four of those hurt were in serious condition. He said a “unified effort” is now in motion to “make sure that we look after all of those who were on the ship.”
The vessel, which is used for naval training, lost power before hitting the bridge, according to the New York Police Department. Video taken by witnesses showed the ship’s tall mast scraping the underside of the bridge while a large Mexican flag flew from it. The ship then drifted toward the riverbank as bystanders ran from the scene.
Authorities confirmed that all the injuries happened onboard. No one fell into the water during the crash. The bridge was later reopened and found to have no major damage.
Investigation Underway as Mexican Navy Vessel’s Future Remains Unclear
Two people were seen being carried off the ship on stretchers, according to eyewitnesses speaking with the Associated Press. Police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the National Transportation Safety Board will now handle the investigation.
The Mexican navy shared a statement on X confirming that the ship was damaged in the crash. The vessel has been taken out of operation for now. The navy also noted that local and naval authorities are assessing both the ship and the status of its crew. They are offering ongoing support on the scene.
Well at least it didn't collapse the bridge like in Baltimore. By the way, that is the ARM Cuauhtémoc; a training ship in the Mexican Navy. https://t.co/cKGWWv8dA2
— Carolina Lion (@CarolinaLion2) May 18, 2025
The Cuauhtemoc, built in 1982, is 297 feet long and 40 feet wide. It serves as a training vessel for cadets at Mexico’s naval military school. Each year, it departs after classes end to complete the training of its young sailors.
The ship had left Acapulco on April 6 with 277 people onboard. It arrived in New York on May 13. The Mexican consulate had celebrated the ship’s visit, calling it the ‘Ambassador and Knight of the Seas.’
The Cuauhtemoc was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 countries over 254 days. These included stops in Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, Iceland, France, and Scotland. Of those 254 days, 170 were to be spent at sea. Now, it is unclear how the schedule will be affected by the crash.
