A Mexican Navy training ship struck New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, snapping all three masts and triggering a dramatic rescue operation beneath the iconic landmark.
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| Mexico’s Navy ship Cuauhtémoc hit the Brooklyn Bridge, breaking all three masts and prompting an urgent rescue as shocked onlookers watched the incident unfold. Image: NYC |
NEW YORK, USA — May 18, 2025:
In a rare maritime mishap in one of the world’s busiest cities, a Mexican Navy training ship collided with New York’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge late Saturday night, snapping all three of its towering masts and setting off a dramatic rescue operation on the East River.
The ship, named Cuauhtémoc, had its sails furled and was illuminated by decorative rigging lights as it drifted backwards beneath the bridge. Spectators enjoying the warm spring evening watched in shock as the masts smashed against the steel underside of the span and plunged into the water below.
According to U.S. media reports, approximately 200 individuals were on board at the time of the incident. The Cuauhtémoc, a barque commissioned in 1982 with a mast height of 48.2 meters (158 feet), was reportedly engaged in a training maneuver when the collision occurred.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with some claiming they saw sailors in the rigging as the impact occurred and individuals falling into the river. Emergency services swiftly responded, launching boats to aid those in the water and assess injuries.
The Mexican Navy acknowledged the accident on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that the vessel had sustained damage and that the status of the crew was being evaluated by local authorities.
"The Ministry of the Navy reaffirms its commitment to the safety of its personnel, transparency in its operations, and excellence in the training of future officers of the Mexican Navy," the statement read.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation. Early reports suggest the vessel may have misjudged the clearance height of the bridge or experienced a technical malfunction during the maneuver.
The Cuauhtémoc has served as a goodwill ambassador for Mexico, often participating in international training missions and naval parades. The accident raises concerns about navigation protocols in crowded urban waterways and the risks posed to tall-masted ships operating in metropolitan ports.
Local and international authorities are expected to review safety measures for naval visits to New York City following the incident. The full extent of injuries and damage is still being assessed as rescue operations conclude and an official inquiry begins.