On May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy training vessel Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, resulting in multiple injuries and prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. during a maneuver, when one of the ship’s 147-foot masts struck the bridge’s road deck, causing it to collapse onto the deck and injure crew members and passengers. Reports indicate three people are in critical condition, with approximately 17 others seriously injured, and up to 200 people were aboard the vessel. The NYPD, FDNY, and Coast Guard are actively responding, with NYPD Aviation assisting in rescuing individuals from the water. All lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge are closed in both directions, and the Mexican Navy has confirmed the accident, citing damage to the ship. The crash has been declared a “mass casualty event,” with emergency services
Key Points
- A Mexican Navy boat, the Cuauhtémoc, crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025, around 8:30 p.m., causing multiple injuries.
- It seems likely that three people are critically injured, with about 12 others seriously injured, based on early reports.
- Research suggests around 200 to 277 people were on board, with a search and rescue operation underway involving NYPD, FDNY, and Coast Guard.
- The evidence leans toward the ship’s masts snapping and falling, damaging the vessel, but the bridge appears undamaged.
- The incident is described as a “mass casualty event,” with ongoing reviews of personnel and equipment status by authorities.
Incident Overview
On the evening of May 17, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Mexican Navy training vessel Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The ship, part of a promotional tour for the 2026 Sail4th event, was conducting a sailing maneuver when its 147-foot masts struck the bridge, causing them to snap and collapse onto the deck. This incident has led to multiple injuries, with early reports suggesting three people in critical condition and about 12 others seriously injured. The exact number of people on board varies, with estimates ranging from 200 to 277, and a large-scale search and rescue operation is underway, involving the NYPD, FDNY, and Coast Guard, with NYPD Aviation assisting in water rescues.
Response and Impact
Authorities, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, are actively monitoring the situation, which has been labeled a “mass casualty event” by the Mexican Navy. The Mexican Navy has confirmed the accident, stating the vessel sustained damage and its voyage was halted, with ongoing reviews of personnel and equipment status. While the Brooklyn Bridge appears undamaged, the ship suffered significant structural damage. All lanes of the bridge are closed in both directions, and New Yorkers are advised to avoid the area. Social media videos have captured the moment of impact, showing debris falling and passengers potentially at risk.
Detailed Analysis of the Mexican Navy Boat Crash into Brooklyn Bridge
On May 17, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m. EDT, a significant maritime incident occurred when the Mexican Navy training vessel Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. This event, unfolding during a promotional tour for the 2026 Sail4th event celebrating America’s 250th birthday, has drawn considerable attention due to its impact on public safety and infrastructure. Below is a comprehensive examination of the incident, drawing from multiple news sources and social media reports to provide a detailed overview.
Incident Details
The Cuauhtémoc, a tall sailing ship built in Spain in 1982 with a 147-foot mast, was conducting a sailing maneuver in the East River when it struck the Brooklyn Bridge. Reports indicate the ship was carrying between 200 to 277 people, including naval cadets and crew, some of whom were seen on the masts prior to the collision. The impact caused all three masts to snap, with debris, including lights and rigging, falling onto the deck, potentially injuring passengers and crew. Social media videos, such as those shared by X users like @orenjinoir and @newsnoteworthy, captured the moment of collision, showing the masts collapsing and passengers possibly hanging onto rigging, highlighting the severity of the incident.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Cuauhtémoc |
| Vessel Type | Mexican Navy training vessel, built in 1982, 147-foot masts |
| Date and Time | May 17, 2025, approximately 8:30 p.m. EDT |
| Location | Brooklyn Bridge, East River, New York City |
| People on Board | Estimated 200 to 277, including cadets and crew |
| Cause | Conducting a “sailing maneuver,” masts struck bridge, causing collapse |
| Immediate Impact | Masts snapped, debris fell, potential injuries to passengers and crew |
Casualties and Emergency Response
The crash has been labeled a “mass casualty event” by the Mexican Navy, with early reports from fire officials, as cited by The Mirror US, indicating three people in critical condition and approximately 12 others seriously injured. These victims are being transported to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, with critically injured individuals receiving additional treatment at nearby hospitals. A search and rescue operation was promptly initiated, involving the NYPD Harbor Unit, SCUBA teams, FDNY, and the Coast Guard, with NYPD Aviation assisting in rescuing individuals from the water. New York City’s Emergency Management Department has warned residents to avoid the area, and Mayor Eric Adams was reported to be heading to the scene to survey the situation, as per NBC New York.
| Casualty Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Critical Injuries | Three people, per fire officials |
| Serious Injuries | Approximately 12, per fire officials |
| Total On Board | 200 to 277, with ongoing assessment of all personnel |
| Emergency Response | NYPD, FDNY, Coast Guard, NYPD Aviation involved in search and rescue |
Official Statements and Investigations
The Mexican Navy, through a post on X, confirmed the accident, stating, “The Secretary of the Navy renews its commitment to the safety of personnel, transparency in its operations and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Armada”
. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, with questions raised about clearance checks, given the bridge’s 127-foot clearance, as noted by X user @BigInduna.
Infrastructure and Public Impact
Preliminary assessments suggest the Brooklyn Bridge itself is undamaged, with emergency management officials and inspectors on scene to confirm this, as reported by NBC New York. However, all lanes of the bridge are closed in both directions, disrupting traffic and prompting advisories for New Yorkers to avoid the area. The incident has also raised concerns about maritime safety during promotional events, especially given the ship’s participation in the upcoming Sail4th event, as detailed by Fox 5 NY.
Social Media and Public Reaction
Social media has been abuzz with reactions, with X posts from users like @froghoodies_ and @josephdimatteo sharing shock and concern, while others, such as @LoneStarTribune, criticized the incident in the context of U.S.-Mexico relations. Videos shared on X, including those linked by @newsnoteworthy and @MelissaRedpill, show the ship’s masts collapsing and passengers at risk, amplifying public awareness and concern. These posts, such as this X post, have garnered significant views, reflecting the incident’s impact on public discourse.
Context and Background
The Cuauhtémoc had arrived in New York earlier that week, docking at Pier 17 and offering free tours, with its final tour on the day of the crash running from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., as per Patch. It was part of a promotional tour for the Sail4th event, celebrating America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, and was expected to be one of 30 Class A International Tall Ships, as noted by Fox 5 NY. This incident underscores the challenges of navigating historic urban waterways with tall ships, especially during high-profile events.
In conclusion, the crash of the Cuauhtémoc into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025, represents a significant maritime safety incident, with ongoing efforts to address casualties, assess damage, and investigate causes. This event highlights the importance of coordination between international naval operations and local authorities to ensure public safety in densely populated urban areas.
Key Citations
- Mexican Navy sailboat crashes into Brooklyn Bridge multiple injuries reported Officials
- Mexican navy training ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge
- Mexican navy training vessel hits New York’s Brooklyn Bridge AP News
- Mass casualty incident Mexican Navy training ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge
- Boat crashes into Brooklyn Bridge mast falls off several injured FOX 5 New York
- Tall ship crashes into New York’s Brooklyn Bridge search and rescue underway
- Mexican navy ship Cuauhtémoc hits the Brooklyn Bridge during training exercise
- Rescue Efforts Underway After Boat Hits Brooklyn Bridge New York City NY Patch
- Moment Mexican Navy Ship PLOWS into pedestrians on shore after Brooklyn Bridge crash
- Multiple injuries reported Mexican Navy boat training mission crashes into Brooklyn Bridge
- News clip showing people on masts during crash
Sources: Big New York News BigNY.com , TV503.com
Video NBC New York
