· News · 2 min read
Mexican Navy Ship Cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Resulting in Tragic Losses
On May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy's training vessel Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, leading to two fatalities and multiple injuries. The incident has prompted investigations into the causes and safety measures surrounding the crash.
When was the Brooklyn Bridge completed?
Tragic Collision Between Cuauhtémoc and Brooklyn Bridge
On the evening of May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy’s esteemed training vessel, Cuauhtémoc, collided with New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge. This unfortunate event resulted in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to at least 19 others. (reuters.com)
Incident Details
The Cuauhtémoc, a three-masted tall ship, was departing from Manhattan’s Pier 17 on the East River when the collision occurred. As the vessel moved in reverse, its towering masts struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge, causing significant damage to the ship’s rigging. (reuters.com)
Casualties and Injuries
Among the casualties were 20-year-old cadet América Yamilet Sánchez and 23-year-old marine Adal Jair Marcos. Both were performing duties on the ship’s masts at the time of the collision. Additionally, 19 crew members sustained injuries, with two reported in critical condition. (apnews.com)
Emergency Response and Investigation
Emergency services, including the FDNY and NYPD Harbor Unit, responded promptly to the scene. The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collision, examining factors such as potential mechanical failures and navigational errors. (axios.com)
Historical Context
This incident adds to the history of maritime mishaps involving the Brooklyn Bridge. Since its completion in 1883, the bridge has been involved in several collisions with vessels, though this is the first to result in fatalities. (apnews.com)
Moving Forward
The Mexican Navy has expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and is cooperating fully with U.S. authorities in the ongoing investigation. The Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major structural damage and has since reopened to traffic. (reuters.com)
This tragic event underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols and thorough training for maritime operations, especially in areas with complex navigational challenges like New York Harbor.
