A Mexican Navy tall ship on a goodwill mission collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, killing two sailors, injuring more than 20 others, and prompting an urgent federal investigation into how the vessel lost control.
The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot training ship operated by the Mexican Navy, arrived in New York City on May 13, 2025, as part of a planned 254-day goodwill tour to 22 ports across 15 nations, NBC New York reported.
The ship had been docked at the South Street Seaport Museum and open to the public before it attempted to depart on May 17 en route to Iceland. With 277 crew members onboard, it departed Pier 17 around 8 p.m.
Just after 8:20 p.m. on May 17, the Cuauhtémoc lost steering power during a maneuver and was pulled backward by the river's current into the Brooklyn Bridge. The ship's three towering masts struck and splintered against the bridge, leaving multiple sailors dangling from the rigging. Two crew members were killed, 11 critically injured, and a total of 22 were hurt.
Video footage captured the ship crashing as stunned onlookers watched from the riverbanks. Divers were deployed, and emergency responders quickly arrived to assist.
The ship was towed overnight to Pier 35 and is now under Coast Guard protection while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) leads the investigation. Officials say the bridge suffered no structural damage, and traffic resumed following inspection.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences for the victims. The Mexican Navy has pledged to support the victims' families and fully cooperate with investigators. Whether the Cuauhtémoc will continue its tour or participate in planned U.S. events, such as the 250th anniversary parade in 2026, remains uncertain.
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