• In a shocking incident, Brooklyn Bridge was struck when a Mexican navy ship crashed during a farewell sail, causing deaths and injuries after losing power.
• The collision snapped the ship’s tall masts, throwing cadets into a life-threatening situation.
• Emergency crews rushed to rescue the injured, while officials launched an investigation into the tragic accident.

A large Mexican navy training ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night. The Cuauhtémoc lost power while leaving New York City. The current pushed it into the bridge around 8:30 p.m. Two people died in the crash. Seventeen others suffered injuries. Officials said two crew members are in critical condition. The accident shocked many people who had come to watch the ship sail away.

Cuauhtémoc Loses Power and Slams Into the Bridge

The Cuauhtémoc is a tall ship used to train cadets. It holds 277 crew members, most of them young cadets. The ship was heading to Iceland as part of a long training voyage. As it sailed under the Brooklyn Bridge, the crew lost control. The ship’s engines failed. The river current carried it straight into the bridge’s lower section. The bridge has a clearance of 135 feet, but the ship’s tallest masts reached 147 feet. The masts hit the bridge and snapped off.

Brooklyn Bridge Struck: Masts Break and Crew Members Hang From Rigging

When the masts broke, chaos followed. The ship carried many crew members on deck and high up in the rigging. Witnesses saw sailors hanging from ropes and sails. Some looked like they might fall. Others held on as the ship crashed and the rigging collapsed. One witness, Elijah West, stood under the bridge when it happened. He saw people on the sails just before they hit. Then he saw them fall or hang in mid-air. People around him ran from the scene.

Celebration Turns Into Chaos and Screams

Many people had gathered to celebrate the ship’s departure. Families stood along the water’s edge. Some clapped, sang, and waved at the crew. But the festive mood changed quickly. A woman named Ismari Romero came with her sister to Pier 17. She said the crowd was happy at first, then began to scream. The ship had reached the bridge and struck it while the crew still waved goodbye. People cried and shouted as the ship crunched against the steel bridge.

People Run As Ship Gets Too Close to the Park

Aya Asan, a 33-year-old photographer, stood in the park after finishing a photo shoot. She said she froze when the ship kept moving toward shore. For a moment, she thought it might hit the park. She and others ran from the riverside area. They feared the tall ship might crash onto land. Police boats arrived fast. Sirens blared. Police took control and guided the vessel toward the Manhattan Bridge. Asan said the whole crowd stood in shock. Everyone watched the ship and the crew hanging from the sails.

Rescue Teams Respond Quickly, Check for Missing Crew

Firefighters and rescue crews arrived minutes after the crash. They searched the water for anyone who might have fallen. At first, people thought some crew members had dropped into the river. But later reports confirmed that no one had fallen overboard. The rescue team helped the injured and moved those in critical condition to local hospitals. Two people died before help arrived. Officials have not yet shared their names. The remaining crew waited on the damaged ship as emergency crews worked nearby.

Navy Experts Question Why Anchors Weren’t Dropped

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Alfred S. McClaren shared his thoughts about the crash. He said the incident made no sense. He could not believe the crew didn’t drop anchor or use the rudder to steer. McClaren asked how fast the ship was going when it hit the bridge. He said dropping anchor should have been one of the first actions and also questioned how the ship ended up so close to the bridge in the first place. He said such mistakes don’t happen on well-managed vessels.

Damaged Ship Remains in Harbor for Investigation

The crash left the Cuauhtémoc heavily damaged. The ship stayed idle near Pier 16 after the accident. Medical teams treated the wounded there. Later, officials planned to move the ship to Pier 36 for repairs and investigation. The Brooklyn Bridge suffered only minor damage. Engineers inspected it and allowed traffic to resume. Fire officials warned drivers to expect road closures near New Dock Street and Water Street. By the next morning, the bridge was fully open again.

Ship Came to Promote Tall Ship Event in New York

The Cuauhtémoc came to New York to promote the 2026 Sail4th event. That event will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a parade of tall ships. The Mexican Navy sent the Cuauhtémoc on an eight-month trip around the world. New York was just the third stop. The ship had already visited Jamaica. Next, it planned stops in Portugal, Iceland, and more. Each stop helps cadets learn real sailing skills.

Largest Cadet Class in Ship’s History

This year’s cadet class is the biggest ever. The ship carries 175 cadets. The navy had to leave behind 40% of the regular crew to make room. Lt. Sgt. Hugo Calvario, the ship’s doctor, said the cadets had to take on extra work. Reporters watched earlier in the week as cadets climbed the rigging. They manned the yards, a tradition used to honor ports during arrival or departure. The cadets showed skill and teamwork, despite the hard physical tasks.

Mexican President Reacts to Crew Deaths

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed sorrow over the deaths. She said the loss deeply saddened her and the entire country. The Mexican Navy later released a statement. They confirmed the crash had stopped the training cruise for now. Officials are checking all equipment and looking after the crew. The Navy promised to stay transparent. They also said they will keep focusing on the safety and training of future officers.

Investigations Continue and Plans May Change

Authorities from both the United States and Mexico are now investigating the crash. They want to understand exactly what went wrong. The ship’s future plans remain unclear. It may not join the 2026 parade if repairs take too long. For now, the focus stays on helping the injured and figuring out what caused the tragic mistake. The incident turned what should have been a proud moment into a disaster that shocked both countries.