NEW YORK: Two people have been confirmed dead and 19 injured after a ship crashed into New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Two crew members injured after Mexican ship collides with Brooklyn Bridge. The Cuauhtémoc, the flagship of the Mexican Navy, collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge around 8:00 p.m., while there was still daylight.
Two crew members of the Mexican training ship Cuauhtémoc have died after the vessel collided with the Brooklyn Bridge this Saturday afternoon.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the deaths early Sunday morning, May 18, and reported several injuries.
THE ACCIDENT: DETAILS OF THE COLLISION
The Cuauhtémoc, the flagship of the Mexican Navy, collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge around 8:00 p.m., while there was still daylight.
According to initial reports, the ship lost power, which may have caused the accident. The collision caused the ship's three masts to break, a scene captured by numerous witnesses on their cell phones.
Eric Adams stated on Platform X: “Tonight, the Mexican Navy's tall ship Cuauhtémoc lost power and collided with the Brooklyn Bridge.
Of the 277 crew members on board, 19 were injured, two of whom are in serious condition, and two more have sadly succumbed to their injuries.”
CASUALTY TOLL AND OFFICIAL RESPONSE
The Mexican Navy issued a statement confirming the two deaths and updating the number of injured.
According to the official report, 22 crew members were injured, 11 of whom are classified as critically ill and nine as stable. These figures are higher than those initially reported by the New York City Mayor's Office.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her solidarity with the families of the victims through her X account. She also assured that the Navy, with the support of local authorities, is providing care to the injured.
ONGOING INVESTIGATION
Federal transportation authorities have launched an investigation to clarify the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports point to possible mechanical problems on the vessel, although specific details have not yet been confirmed.
Mayor Adams praised the swift response of emergency services, noting that their intervention prevented the incident from having even more serious consequences. He also confirmed that the Brooklyn Bridge suffered no structural damage and remains open to traffic after an initial inspection.
HISTORY OF THE CUAUHTÉMOC SHIP
The Cuauhtémoc, which made its maiden voyage in 1982, is a symbol of Mexican public diplomacy and naval training. The vessel arrived in New York on May 13 as part of a cultural promotion and training mission.
Its next destination was Iceland, where it was scheduled to continue its route after disembarking that day.
The collision has generated significant international media attention due to the cultural and symbolic impact of the Cuauhtémoc, as well as the circumstances of the accident. Authorities continue working to clarify the events and ensure the safety of the affected crew members.
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