Mexican Navy Ship Crashes Into Brooklyn Bridge, Leaving 2 Dead

A Mexican navy training ship on a goodwill mission crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, leaving two sailors dead and 19 others injured, according to New York City officials.

The vessel, Cuauhtémoc, lost power as it approached the East River crossing, and videos posted online captured the moment its towering masts struck the bridge and snapped with a violent crack.

“Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge,” said NYC Mayor Eric Adams. “Of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries.”

Witnesses described a harrowing scene in the minutes following the crash. One bystander, Lily Katz, told the Associated Press she watched in shock as a crew member was left dangling in the air by a safety harness for roughly 15 minutes before being rescued.

“We were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling… before they were able to rescue them,” Katz said.

The vessel often used by the Mexican Navy to train future officers and to participate in ceremonial port visits around the world was reportedly on a goodwill cruise when the incident occurred.

“During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtémoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge,” the Mexican Navy confirmed in a statement. “The training cruise has been halted for the time being.”

The ship has since been moved to a pier on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, where both Mexican naval and U.S. authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board, are conducting an investigation.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the NTSB will lead the formal review, and that initial inspections showed no structural damage to the bridge.

Despite the loss of life and injuries, Adams praised emergency crews for preventing a larger catastrophe.

“We are praying for everyone on board and their families and are grateful to our first responders who quickly jumped into action,” Adams said. “This could have been much worse.”

The Cuauhtémoc, known for its striking white sails and elegant build, has long been a symbol of Mexico’s naval pride. Saturday’s tragedy will almost certainly raise questions about safety protocols, emergency readiness, and vessel maneuvering in high-traffic, urban waterways like New York Harbor.

For now, what was meant to be a gesture of friendship and maritime tradition has turned into an international investigation and a moment of mourning.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to honor those who lost their lives in service and stay updated on developments in this unfolding story.