Mariners Cling to Ship as it Crashes into Brooklyn Bridge
- New York - The Mexican navy's training vessel, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, May 17, resulting in injuries to multiple sailors. The incident occurred...
- Eyewitnesses captured video footage showing sailors clinging to damaged rigging high above the deck after the collision.
- The Cuauhtémoc,carrying a crew of 277,struck the bridge for reasons that authorities have yet to determine,according to the EFE news agency.
Mexican Navy Ship Cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Multiple Injuries Reported
New York – The Mexican navy’s training vessel, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, May 17, resulting in injuries to multiple sailors. The incident occurred as the ship was navigating in New York City waters.
Eyewitnesses captured video footage showing sailors clinging to damaged rigging high above the deck after the collision. The extent of the damage to the cuauhtémoc included the breaking of all three masts, according to reports.
Cause of Collision Under Investigation
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. The Cuauhtémoc,carrying a crew of 277,struck the bridge for reasons that authorities have yet to determine,according to the EFE news agency.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated in a press conference that 23 people were injured in the incident, with four sustaining serious injuries. The injured were transported to bellevue Hospital.
“There are 19 injured and 4 serious injuries,” Adams said, adding that divers were deployed as a precaution, even though no one fell into the water.
#NOW | After the clash against the brooklyn bridge, several sailors of the School of Mexico ship were hanging from the collapsed mast, at high height. pic.twitter.com/wz4TalakVM
— World in conflict 🌎 (@mundoeconflicto) May 18, 2025
Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma said that the injured sailors are receiving the best possible care at the hospital. He added that the Mexican Secretary of the navy is contacting the sailors’ families.
The Mexican Navy Secretariat stated in a post on X that the accident occurred during a “Zarce maneuver” and caused damage to the ship. The secretariat confirmed that no personnel fell into the water, negating the need for rescue operations.
Several cadets wounded by failures in the Logistics of the Cuahutémoc school ship on its exhibition walk through the Hudson River in New York. Shocking images of people hanging from the mast.
Apparently they miscalculated the height of the sailboat and the bridge.pic.twitter.com/PFRQ0Og33Y — 𝗠𝗿. 𝗭𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻 (@ZorroParlanchin) May 18, 2025
Federal transportation authorities are investigating the incident. Preliminary information suggests potential mechanical issues with the ship, according to EFE.
A representative from the Mayor’s Office confirmed that the Brooklyn Bridge did not sustain critically important damage.
The Cuauhtémoc, which frist set sail in 1982, arrived in New York City on May 13 for a mission focused on public diplomacy, naval training, and cultural promotion. Its next scheduled destination was Iceland.
# Mexican Navy Ship cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge: Your questions Answered
Here’s a breakdown of the incident involving the Mexican navy ship Cuauhtémoc and the Brooklyn Bridge, answered in a question-and-answer format, designed to give you a clear understanding.
## What happened?
On Saturday, May 17th, the Mexican Navy’s training vessel, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
## When did the incident occur?
The collision happened on Saturday, May 17th.
## Where did the collision take place?
The collision occurred in New York City waters, involving the Brooklyn Bridge.
## Were there any injuries?
yes, multiple sailors were injured. According to new york City Mayor Eric Adams, 23 people were injured, with four sustaining serious injuries.
## How many people were on board the Cuauhtémoc?
The Cuauhtémoc carried a crew of 277.
## What is the Cuauhtémoc?
The Cuauhtémoc is a Mexican Navy training vessel. It’s a sailing ship used to train naval cadets and promote cultural diplomacy.
## What is the extent of the damage to the Cuauhtémoc?
The collision resulted in significant damage to the Cuauhtémoc,including the breaking of all three masts.
## What is the cause of the collision?
The cause of the collision is under investigation. Authorities have yet to determine the exact reasons why the Cuauhtémoc struck the bridge, according to the EFE news agency. Preliminary information suggests potential mechanical issues with the ship, according to EFE. The Mexican Navy secretariat stated in a post on X that the accident occurred during a “Zarce maneuver”.
## What is the status of the injured sailors?
The injured sailors are receiving the best possible care at the hospital, according to Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma. The Mexican Secretary of the Navy is also contacting the sailors’ families.
## What damage was sustained by the Brooklyn Bridge?
A representative from the mayor’s Office confirmed that the brooklyn Bridge did not sustain critically crucial damage.
## What was the Cuauhtémoc doing in New York City?
The Cuauhtémoc arrived in New York City on May 13th for a mission focused on public diplomacy, naval training, and cultural promotion.
## What was the Cuauhtémoc’s next scheduled destination?
The ship’s next scheduled destination after New York City was Iceland.
## can you summarize the key details of the collision?
Here is a summary of the key details:
| Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel involved | Mexican Navy training vessel Cuauhtémoc |
| location | Brooklyn Bridge,New York City |
| Date | May 17th |
| Injuries | 23 people injured,4 serious |
| Cause | Under investigation; potential mechanical issues |
| Damage to Cuauhtémoc | Breaking of all three masts |
| Crew Size | 277 |
