A Mexican Navy training ship, Cuauhtémoc, crashed into New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, leaving at least 22 people injured, with three reported in serious condition.
Footage captured the ship’s towering masts striking the iconic bridge as it passed underneath. According to authorities, several crew members were standing on the masts during the collision and were injured when parts of the structure fell onto the deck.
The vessel, carrying over 200 people as part of a goodwill mission, reportedly lost power before the impact. Officials suspect mechanical failure and a power outage were the primary causes. New York Police said the ship struck one of the bridge’s support pillars.
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed in a media briefing that no one fell into the water and that the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major damage. All personnel have been accounted for, and those injured have been transported to hospital, said the New York Coast Guard.
Mexico’s Navy, which launched an investigation into the incident, said the ship lost the tops of two masts. Crowds watching the ship’s approach fled as the collision occurred.
The Cuauhtémoc, built in 1982, is a 297-foot-long sailing vessel used to complete training for cadets from Mexico’s naval military school. This year’s voyage began on April 6 from Acapulco with 277 people aboard, en route to Iceland.
Following the accident, New York police advised residents to avoid areas near the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport in Manhattan, and Dumbo in Brooklyn due to emergency response activity and traffic disruptions.
