Mexican Navy Training Ship Crashes into Brooklyn Bridge Killing Two and Injuring Several

A tragic maritime accident unfolded Saturday night when the Mexican Navy’s tall ship Cuauhtémoc crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuring at least 19 others. The incident occurred during a global goodwill tour meant to promote international relations and naval training. Videos captured the harrowing moment as the ship’s masts struck the bridge, throwing sailors from their positions and leaving some dangling from the wreckage high above the deck.

According to New York City officials, the ship lost power while navigating the East River and veered off course into the bridge. The 277-foot-long training vessel sustained significant structural damage to its three masts, which snapped on impact. Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that while the bridge itself sustained no major structural harm, emergency crews treated 27 individuals, including four with serious injuries. Two of those later succumbed to their injuries.

Among the deceased was cadet América Yamilet Sánchez Hernández from Veracruz, whose passing was publicly mourned by both Mexican and U.S. officials. The Cuauhtémoc, launched in 1982, serves as a training platform for Mexico’s naval cadets, embarking on an annual voyage following graduation. The ship had docked in New York on May 13 and was en route to its next destination when the collision occurred.

The U.S. Coast Guard, NYPD, and other authorities are currently investigating the cause, with early reports pointing to a mechanical failure. The incident has raised concerns about maritime navigation safety in busy urban waterways and the operational risks tied to large training vessels in densely trafficked areas.