In a tragic turn of events, the majestic Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc, known as the "Ambassador and Knight of the Seas," collided with the historic Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, resulting in a horrifying scene that left two sailors dead and 17 others injured, including two in critical condition, according to New York City fire officials and eyewitness accounts.\
The Incident
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. as the Cuauhtémoc, a 270-foot vessel with towering 147-foot masts, was sailing out of New York City on its way to Iceland as part of an international goodwill tour. According to Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD officials, the ship apparently lost power as it approached the East River, causing it to drift uncontrollably into the low clearance of the Brooklyn Bridge.
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Eyewitness Accounts of Chaos and Panic
The moment of impact was captured from multiple angles by onlookers who had gathered along the East River to bid farewell to the impressive training ship. Witnesses reported seeing the masts of the Cuauhtémoc, which require a minimum clearance of 135 feet, collide violently with the road deck of the bridge, snapping like twigs under the immense force.
Elijah West, who was enjoying the evening at Brooklyn Bridge Park, described the chaotic scene: "The boat was coming under the bridge, and there were sailors on top of the boat. The sails hit the bridge, and then people started falling off of the boat sails. It was crazy. We were standing under the bridge and we all started running. Then I saw people hanging from the sails. Police boats came around fast — about five minutes later."
Rescue Efforts and Aftermath
First responders from the NYPD, FDNY, and the U.S. Coast Guard arrived quickly, pulling injured sailors from the wreckage and conducting a frantic search for anyone who might have fallen into the water. Initial reports suggested some crew members had been thrown overboard, but later updates confirmed that no one had fallen into the river.
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, with four crew members reportedly in critical condition. The two fatalities were sailors who had been working atop one of the masts when the collision occurred, plummeting nearly 100 feet onto the deck below. Their identities have not yet been released.
Impact on the Cuauhtémoc’s Mission
The Cuauhtémoc, built in Spain in 1982 specifically for training naval cadets, had been in New York as part of a global promotional tour for the upcoming Sail4th event, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. This stop was only the third in an eight-month voyage that includes visits to Iceland, Portugal, and other ports around the world.
In a statement released after the crash, the Mexican Navy expressed deep regret over the loss of life and the impact on its training mission. "During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtémoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being," the statement read.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators are now trying to determine the exact cause of the power loss that left the Cuauhtémoc adrift. Early theories include a possible mechanical failure or a loss of propulsion that left the vessel at the mercy of the river's strong currents.
Retired Navy Capt. Alfred S. McClaren, a former nuclear submarine commander, expressed disbelief at the accident, calling it "inconceivable" that a ship of this size and experience level could lose control so catastrophically. "One of the first things I would have done is drop my anchor or anchors," McClaren said.
Impact on the Brooklyn Bridge
The iconic Brooklyn Bridge, which suffered minor damage to its road deck, has since reopened to the public, though motorists are being warned of potential delays and ongoing repair work.
A Somber Return to Port
As the Cuauhtémoc sits idle near Pier 16, its masts shattered and rigging tangled, the mood among the remaining crew members is somber. The ship, which has long been a symbol of Mexican pride and naval tradition, will likely require extensive repairs before it can resume its journey.
As of now, the ship is expected to be moved to Pier 36 for a more thorough inspection and assessment of the damage.
Looking Ahead
Despite this tragedy, the Mexican Navy has pledged to continue its mission of training future officers, reaffirming its commitment to safety and transparency in naval operations.
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