On the evening of May 17, 2025, a tragic maritime accident occurred in New York City when the Mexican Navy’s training vessel, ARM Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge. The incident resulted in two fatalities and 19 injuries, with two individuals in critical condition.
What We Know About The Cause
At approximately 8:26 PM EDT, the Cuauhtémoc was navigating the East River as part of its international goodwill tour. The ship, adorned with lights and a large Mexican flag, lost power and drifted towards the Brooklyn Bridge. Its three 147-foot masts were too tall to pass under the bridge’s 135-foot clearance, leading to a collision that snapped the masts and caused significant damage to the vessel .
Casualties and Injuries
The collision resulted in the deaths of two crew members. Nineteen others sustained injuries, with two reported in critical condition. Emergency responders, including the NYPD Harbor Unit and FDNY, were on the scene promptly, providing medical assistance and transporting the injured to local hospitals.
Response and Investigation
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the casualties and praised the swift action of first responders. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest a mechanical failure led to the loss of power, causing the vessel to drift into the bridge.
The Vessel: ARM Cuauhtémoc
The Cuauhtémoc is a sail training vessel of the Mexican Navy, commissioned in 1982. It serves as a training ship for naval cadets and participates in international goodwill missions. The ship had been docked at South Street Seaport since May 13 and was scheduled to depart for Iceland as part of its tour.
Brooklyn Bridge Status
Despite the severity of the collision, the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no structural damage. All lanes were temporarily closed but have since reopened after inspections confirmed the bridge’s integrity .
Final Thoughts
This tragic event underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols in maritime navigation, especially in densely populated urban areas. As investigations continue, our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
Jimmy
h/t: Steadfast and Loyal
