A Mexican Navy training vessel, the Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening during its New York City tour, causing panic in lower Manhattan and sparking a major rescue operation on the East River.
The 297-foot barque’s three masts slammed into the iconic bridge, snapping and partially collapsing on impact, leaving at least 19 injured, including four in critical condition, New York Mayor Eric Adams said at a press briefing.
Multiple videos captured the moment of collision, showing the masts crashing into the bridge deck as the ship drifted beneath. Sailors were seen dangling from rigging and crossbeams, with some falling into the water while others clung to the rigging. The New York Fire Department confirmed injuries, though detailed conditions remain unclear. Eyewitnesses reported seeing at least two individuals taken off the vessel on stretchers.
One person was reportedly suspended in a harness for over 15 minutes before being rescued by emergency personnel, who responded in boats from both the city and the Mexican Navy.
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The Cuauhtémoc, known as the "Ambassador and Knight of the Seas," serves as a training ship for naval cadets. Launched in 1982, the vessel measures 297 feet in length and 40 feet in width.
It had embarked on a 254-day goodwill voyage from Acapulco on April 6, carrying 277 people and scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 countries. The ship arrived in New York on May 13 and was due to depart on May 17.
The Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883, is a historic landmark and carries over 100,000 vehicles and 32,000 pedestrians daily. Structural engineers are currently assessing the bridge for damage.
The Mexican Navy confirmed the vessel sustained damage and that the condition of those onboard is under review. Mexican consular officials are coordinating with local authorities to assist affected cadets. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, examining possible navigational errors or miscommunication, as well as the bridge clearance.
Onlookers near South Street Seaport fled as the ship approached the shore, with many capturing footage of the dramatic incident.
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