New York City: The Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc crashed into New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge, injuring at least 22 people, with three in critical condition.
The towering masts of the sailing vessel clipped the bridge as it passed underneath, causing parts of the masts to fall onto the deck. Injuries occurred because some crew members were standing on the masts at the time of impact.
The ship was carrying over 200 people on board during a goodwill visit. Local reports indicate the vessel lost power before the collision, and the New York Police Department’s chief of operations suggested mechanical issues and a power failure caused the accident.
During a media briefing led by New York Mayor Eric Adams, officials confirmed that no one had fallen into the water and the Brooklyn Bridge did not sustain any major damage.
The New York Coast Guard stated the ship lost the tops of two masts and that all personnel had been accounted for. The injured have been transported to hospitals for treatment.
The Mexican Navy confirmed the vessel was damaged and announced an ongoing investigation into the incident. While Mexico’s navy reported 22 injuries with three serious, the New York mayor mentioned four people were seriously hurt.
Crowds observing the ship’s passage fled from the water’s edge when the masts struck the bridge. New York police have urged residents to avoid the Brooklyn Bridge area, South Street Seaport in Manhattan, and Dumbo in Brooklyn due to heavy emergency vehicle activity and traffic congestion.
The Cuauhtémoc measures 297 feet in length and 40 feet in width and was first launched in 1982. The Mexican Navy ship embarks annually after naval military school classes conclude to complete cadet training. This year, it departed the Mexican port of Acapulco on April 6 with 277 people on board, with Iceland set as its final destination.
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