Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Causing Fatalities and Injuries

On May 17, 2025, a tragic accident unfolded in New York City when the Mexican Navy's tall ship, Cuauhtémoc, collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The incident, which occurred around 8:30 pm, left two people dead and nineteen injured. The 277-member crew, primarily naval cadets, were aboard the ship when it lost power and drifted into the bridge's path. The impact sheared off the ship's 45-meter masts, a stark contrast to the bridge's 42-meter clearance. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the ship hit the bridge. "I heard a loud crash, and people started screaming," one onlooker said. Emergency services responded swiftly, guiding the damaged vessel away from the bridge and initiating a rescue operation. The injured were treated on the scene and transported to the Brooklyn Navy Yard and nearby hospitals. The Brooklyn Bridge, while sustaining minor structural damage, has since undergone inspection and repair, and has reopened to the public. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime safety and the effectiveness of emergency response systems.