19 Injured As Mexican Navy Ship Strikes Brooklyn Bridge
on May 17, 2025
No fatalities have been reported after a Mexican Navy training ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday night (May 17).
19 people have been injured after a Mexican Navy training ship underestimated its height and struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge.
The New York City Police Department and the Mexican Navy confirmed that the Cuauhtémoc Sailboat was traveling the East River when it struck the bridge. All 277 people on board were accounted for, but at least 20 were being treated for injuries.
Footage captured by passersby shows the 158-foot-tall mast striking the bottom of the Brooklyn Bridge. According to the bridge’s website, it offers 135-foot clearance at the center. Videos show the mast breaking upon impact, with sailors clinging to ropes and dangling in the air.
In a post made to X, the Mexican Navy addressed the incident, saying, “During the departure maneuver of the Cuauhtémoc Sailboat in New York, an incident occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge that caused damage to the Training Ship, temporarily preventing the continuation of the training cruise. The status of the personnel and material is under review by naval and local authorities, who are providing support.”
The NYPD and the mayor of New York City held a press conference a few hours after the incident and stated that there was no damage done to the Brooklyn Bridge. The mayor added that of the 19 who suffered injuries, four were seriously injured and are currently hospitalized.
Authorities speculate that the “goodwill vessel” encountered a mechanical issue that caused the ship to hit the bridge. The NTSB will conduct a full investigation.
Watch as @NYPDPC Jessica S. Tisch, @NYCMayor Eric Adams, and City officials briefed the media regarding a collision investigation at the Brooklyn Bridge:https://t.co/A4dFTk9ng3 pic.twitter.com/0xYDBiKAUa
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 18, 2025
This is a developing story.
About the Cuauhtémoc
Built in 1981, the vessel was used exclusively for the training of military personnel. It had been docked in New York City since May 13 and was open to public tours through the Seaport Museum.
The ship concluded its stay at the museum on Saturday and was making its way to Iceland when the accident occurred.
See more footage of the incident in the videos below.
BREAKING: A boat just crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) May 18, 2025
Why are there so many crazy accidents recently?
(Video source: @TheWillieNelson) pic.twitter.com/9jLJwliUoF
