Late Saturday evening, May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy’s sail training ship ARM Cuauhtémoc collided with the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge while departing New York City’s East River, resulting in two confirmed fatalities and multiple injuries. Below is a detailed account of the incident, its aftermath, and ongoing investigations.
1. Incident Overview
At approximately 8:26 p.m. EDT, the 90-metre, three-masted barque Cuauhtémoc lost propulsion just after leaving Pier 17 on a goodwill tour. Drifting backward, its tall masts struck the bridge’s superstructure, snapping rigging and causing part of the main mast to collapse.
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Location: East River, just west of Brooklyn Bridge
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Vessel: ARM Cuauhtémoc (Mexican Navy sail training ship)
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Onboard: 277 crew and trainees
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Fatalities: 2 crew members
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Injuries: At least 22 injured, two in critical condition Business InsiderPeople.com
2. Human Impact
Witnesses described the collision as surreal—some mistook it for a film stunt, while others saw trainees dangling from harnesses high atop the masts. Emergency responses included:
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NYPD Harbor Unit and FDNY marine units rescuing personnel from water and debris
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On-scene triage and EMS staging at Pier 16
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Transport of critically injured to nearby trauma centers
New York Mayor Eric Adams expressed deep condolences, praising first responders for preventing further loss of life Business InsiderCBS News.
3. Vessel and Voyage Context
The Armada de México sail training vessel Cuauhtémoc had berthed at South Street Seaport since May 13 as part of an international goodwill cruise. Built in 1982 and named after the last Aztec emperor, the ship routinely hosts cadet training missions. This cruise was to include 22 ports across 15 countries. Investigators are examining whether an electrical failure or sudden loss of engine power precipitated the drift into the bridge El PaísAP News.
4. Structural and Operational Damage
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Ship: Main and mizzen masts fractured; rigging severely damaged
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Bridge: No significant structural impairment detected; lanes briefly closed and reopened by 10:30 p.m. EDT
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Maritime Traffic: East River vessel traffic was rerouted for several hours during recovery operations AP News.
5. Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Upon collision:
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Immediate Rescue: FDNY and NYPD marine units deployed lifeboats and flotation devices.
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Medical Aid: Field triage at Pier 16, with ambulances on standby.
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Site Security: Coast Guard and NYPD secured the scene; DOT oversaw temporary lane closures.
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Diplomatic Support: Mexican consular officials coordinated with U.S. authorities to assist victims and families Business InsiderCBS News.
6. Investigation Underway
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Lead Agencies: U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Mexican Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR)
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Focus Areas:
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Mechanical/electrical failure analysis
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Crew communications and procedural adherence
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Bridge clearance protocols
An initial joint statement indicated that no damage was found on the bridge itself, but a full technical inquiry is ongoing. Findings are expected in the coming months.
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7. Historical and Safety Context
The Brooklyn Bridge, opened in 1883, has a vertical clearance of 127 feet at mean high water. Its proximity to piers and heavy maritime traffic makes navigation challenging for tall-rigged vessels. Following this and similar past near-misses, the NTSB may recommend updated navigation guidelines and bridge-underpass safety measures.
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Business Insider: “2 people died after a Mexican navy sailing ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge…” Business Insider
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People: “Ship Crashing into Brooklyn Bridge 'Looked Like an Optical Illusion,' Passenger Seen 'Dangling'…” People.com
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