A Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtémoc, crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on Saturday evening, leaving at least two people dead and 19 injured. The incident, which occurred just before 8:30 p.m., was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms, showing the dramatic scenes as the ship’s mast struck the bridge, sending crew members dangling hundreds of feet above the East River. The collision was initially believed to have happened after the vessel veered off course during its departure from a Manhattan pier, heading out to sea for a training exercise. The NYPD confirmed that the ship had just left the pier and was supposed to be en route to Iceland. According to officials, the ship may have experienced a mechanical issue that led to the collision, although the exact cause remains under investigation. The Mexican Navy issued a statement acknowledging the incident, describing it as a ‘mishap’ during a sailing maneuver and expressing its commitment to reviewing the status of personnel and equipment. The ship, built in 1981 in Spain and now participating in a promotional event for America’s 250th birthday, has not sustained major damage to the Brooklyn Bridge. The NYPD reported that there was no visible damage to the landmark, though traffic was briefly halted in the area. The New York Fire Department confirmed that all 277 crew members on board have been accounted for, with 19 people injured, including two who remain in critical condition. New York City Mayor Eric Adams provided further details, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of those involved. In response to the incident, both U.S. and Mexican officials have issued statements of solidarity, with New York Attorney General Letitia James expressing her prayers for the affected individuals and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offering her condolences to the families of the deceased crew members. The incident has prompted a series of emergency measures, including the closure of the Brooklyn Bridge and the surrounding areas to ensure public safety and facilitate the rescue operations. The NYPD also issued a warning to the public to avoid the South Street Seaport and Dumbo neighborhoods in Brooklyn while the situation is being addressed. As the investigation continues, the Mexican Navy has reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, safety, and the training of its officers, while authorities in New York City remain focused on the aftermath of the collision and the recovery of the affected individuals.
Following the collision, multiple news outlets have reported on the incident, highlighting the dramatic nature of the event and the swift response from local authorities. Videos posted online have captured the moment the ship struck the bridge, with onlookers screaming in alarm as the vessel rocked back and forth following the impact. The ship’s mast, which was heavily damaged, fell onto the bridge’s deck, scattering debris into the water below. While no one fell into the river, the situation was described as chaotic, with emergency responders working quickly to stabilize the vessel and rescue the injured. The NYPD and FDNY collaborated to conduct a thorough search and rescue operation, ensuring that all personnel on board were accounted for. Officials from the Mexican Navy also confirmed that no items from the ship had fallen into the water, reducing the risk of further complications. Despite the severity of the incident, the NYPD stated that the bridge remains intact and is currently being inspected for any potential structural damage. The collision has disrupted normal traffic flow in the area, with authorities warning that the surrounding regions may face significant delays and a high presence of emergency vehicles. While the exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, preliminary reports suggest that a mechanical failure may have been the root cause. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified of the incident and is expected to conduct a full review of the circumstances leading up to the collision. The Mexican Navy’s involvement in the event, which is part of a broader cultural exchange initiative, has raised questions about the safety protocols followed during the training exercise. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks associated with maritime operations, particularly in urban environments with high-density infrastructure. The response by both U.S. and Mexican authorities has been praised for its promptness and coordination, though the tragedy has left many individuals and families grieving, with the loss of two lives serving as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers of such events.