Authorities in New York have released preliminary findings into the tragic collision that occurred on Saturday, May 17, when a Mexican Navy training vessel struck the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in two d3aths and multiple injuries.
How the Accident Unfolded
The Cuauhtémoc, a tall training ship with 277 crew members aboard, was attempting to leave a pier in Manhattan when the incident happened.
According to Wilson Aramboles, Chief of Special Operations for the NYPD, the vessel lost power due to a mechanical malfunction and began drifting off course. It was not meant to navigate toward the Brooklyn Bridge.
With no propulsion to correct its course, the ship began sailing in reverse and attempted to pass beneath the bridge.
Unfortunately, the ship’s towering 147-foot masts were too tall to clear the structure, leading to a catastrophic impact. The masts toppled as a result, causing widespread chaos aboard the vessel.
Casualties and Official Reactions
The crash left 19 people injured, two of whom were reported to be in critical condition as of Sunday. Tragically, two lives were lost. A law enforcement official confirmed to CNN that both victims had fallen from one of the masts during the collision.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the incident in a statement on Twitter, confirming the casualty count and commending first responders for their swift action.
He added that a preliminary inspection found no damage to the bridge itself, which has since reopened to the public.
“We are praying for everyone on board and their families,” Adams stated, offering condolences and expressing gratitude for the emergency crews that prevented a worse outcome.
Mexico Responds
President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, extending sympathy to the victims’ families and confirming that the injured are receiving medical care with support from local authorities.
She also thanked Mayor Adams for the city’s assistance and noted that the Mexican ambassador and consulate officials in New York are providing aid to those affected.
“We are monitoring the situation, and the Navy will continue to provide updates,” Sheinbaum said.
Ongoing Investigation and Eyewitness Accounts
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading a full investigation into the crash, with experts in marine operations and engineering working to determine the exact sequence of events and root cause of the mechanical failure.
Witnesses described a chilling scene as the ship approached the bridge. Flavia Moreira, who was walking along the promenade at the time, told CNN, “It just kept coming closer and closer. At some point, I was like, I don’t think that’s right.”
She continued, “People started recording because it was such a surreal experience. We could see crew members swinging from the masts after the ship hit the bridge. It was terrifying to watch them struggle to stay onboard.”
What’s Next
As investigations continue, both U.S. and Mexican authorities are committed to transparency. The NTSB is expected to hold a press briefing soon, and Mexico’s Navy has pledged full cooperation.
The incident has sparked questions about navigational safety and protocol during international maritime visits.
This devastating event serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can arise even during peaceful diplomatic missions.
