The Cuauhtémoc, a 300-foot tall ship from the Mexican Navy used for sail training and diplomacy, tragically crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, resulting in the deaths of two sailors and injuries to 19 others. The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. ET when the ship lost power just before the collision, causing its masts to shear off. New York Mayor Eric Adams expressed gratitude for the first responders who acted swiftly to minimize the impact of the event.
Among the 277 people on board, two suffered critical injuries. The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately mobilized support from the Mexican Embassy and officials in New York to assist the affected. The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico also extended condolences and offered support, highlighting ongoing communication between the governments of the two countries.
Videos captured the moment the ship, adorned with decorative lights, struck the bridge, showing its masts colliding as a car crossed above. Emergency services quickly responded, discovering individuals in the water and helping treat those with severe injuries on the ship. Victims were taken to Pier 16, where emergency facilities were set up for further assessment.
The Cuauhtémoc, launched in 1982 and named after the last Aztec emperor, is not only a training vessel for cadets from Mexico’s Heroic Naval Military School but also serves as a symbol of Mexican diplomacy abroad. Prior to the incident, the Mexican Consulate had invited the public to visit the ship at Pier 17. The Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883, remains a vital link between the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
