Video - 2 dead, 19 injured after Mexican Navy sailboat crashes into Brooklyn Bridge:

A tragic maritime disaster unfolded Saturday evening as a Mexican Navy tall ship carrying 277 people crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, killing two sailors and injuring at least 19 others, including four in serious condition, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD) and city officials.

What Caused the Mexican Navy Ship to Crash into Brooklyn Bridge? What Caused the Mexican Navy Ship to Crash into Brooklyn Bridge?

Accident Details: What Happened?

The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. EST on May 17, while the ARM Cuauhtémoc, a ceremonial Mexican Navy sailboat, was disembarking from Pier 17 in Manhattan and en route to Iceland.

According to NYPD Chief Wilson Aramboles, the ship lost power and mechanical function, causing it to drift uncontrollably. The strong East River current forced the vessel into one of the Brooklyn Bridge's stone pillars, resulting in a dramatic impact that smashed the ship’s mast and caused serious injuries to several crew members on deck.

“The current caused the ship to go right into the pillar of the bridge, hitting the mast where there was a couple of sailors,” Aramboles said during a press briefing.

Mexican Navy Tall Ship Cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge in NYC
Two dead after Mexican Navy ship collides with Brooklyn Bridge

Casualties and Injuries

New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed early Sunday that two people had died and two others remain in critical condition. A total of 19 people were injured, including four seriously, with most victims being crew members stationed on the upper deck or near the masts.

Onlookers captured chilling cellphone videos showing the ship’s illuminated masts colliding with the bridge’s underside. Crew members were seen dangling from the rigging following the impact. Fortunately, no one fell into the water, officials reported.

Bridge Safety and Reopening

Mexican Navy Tall Ship Cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge: 2 Dead, 19 Injured
A Mexican Navy sailing training vessel collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, May 17

Despite the severe nature of the crash, city officials confirmed that the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no structural damage. A preliminary inspection by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) allowed the bridge to reopen to traffic just after midnight.

“While inspections will remain ongoing, there are no signs of structural damage,” NYCDOT stated.

Mayor Adams added:

“We are praying for everyone on board and their families and are grateful to our first responders who quickly jumped into action, ensuring this accident wasn’t much worse.”

What Caused the Crash?

Authorities believe a mechanical failure aboard the ARM Cuauhtémoc was the root cause. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed investigators to the site and launched a full-scale probe into the incident. Early assessments suggest:

  • Mechanical malfunction of ship controls

  • Loss of propulsion or steering

  • Strong river currents worsening the drift

About the ARM Cuauhtémoc

Commissioned in 1982, the ARM Cuauhtémoc is a tall sailing ship used as a training and goodwill vessel by the Mexican Navy. Named after the last Aztec emperor, the ship has toured over 60 countries and is a fixture at international maritime events, including Fleet Week New York.

The Cuauhtémoc symbolizes peaceful diplomacy, and this voyage was intended as a goodwill mission to Iceland following its New York stop.

Mexican Navy Tall Ship Cuauhtémoc Collides with Brooklyn Bridge: 2 Dead, 19 Injured
The Cuauhtemoc, a Mexican Navy sailing training vessel collides with the Brooklyn Bridge, in New York City

Public Reaction and Global Attention

Videos of the collision flooded social media under the trending hashtag #CuauhtémocCrash, drawing global attention and sympathy. Thousands expressed condolences for the sailors’ families, while maritime experts and safety advocates began raising concerns about large ship navigation in tight urban waterways.

FAQs: Brooklyn Bridge Sailboat Crash

Q: What ship was involved in the crash?

A: The ARM Cuauhtémoc, a Mexican Navy training sailboat.

Q: How many were on board?

A: 277 crew members and naval personnel.

Q: Were there fatalities?

A: Yes, two people were killed and at least 19 were injured.

Q: Was the Brooklyn Bridge damaged?

A: No structural damage was found after inspections. The bridge has reopened.

Q: What caused the crash?

A: A preliminary investigation suggests mechanical failure and loss of control.

Q: Who is investigating the incident?

A: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the U.S. Coast Guard.

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