the staff of the Ridgewood blog
BROOKLYN NY , a tragic incident occurred Saturday night when the Mexican Navy’s tall ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in two confirmed deaths and 22 injuries, according to Mexican officials.
The historic sailing vessel, in New York as part of a global goodwill tour, lost power and struck the 140-year-old suspension bridge just before 8:30 p.m. Videos captured the moment when the ship’s two towering masts snapped, sending crew members scrambling and clinging to ropes.
Details of the Crash
City officials confirmed the vessel struck the bridge as vehicles passed in both directions. The NYPD reported two fatalities, one of whom was later identified as Cadet América Yamilet Sánchez from Veracruz. Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle García expressed condolences on social media, writing:
“I deeply regret the passing of Veracruz cadet América Yamilet Sánchez. My love, support, and solidarity go out to her family.”
The Mexican Navy stated that 22 crew members were injured, with 11 in critical condition. The U.S. Coast Guard and New York City officials confirmed all personnel were accounted for, though discrepancies remain regarding the total number on board: 277 per Mexico vs. 252 according to the Coast Guard.
Immediate Aftermath
Emergency services quickly shut down the Brooklyn Bridge, but traffic resumed by 11 p.m. Commercial marine traffic was suspended, and a safety zone was created between the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge.
Mayor Eric Adams, along with other city officials, visited the scene and confirmed that the bridge itself sustained no structural damage.
“It looked like a ghost ship,” said DUMBO resident Andrew Perloff, who witnessed the aftermath at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Investigation Underway
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will launch an investigation into the cause of the crash. One video showed a tugboat attempting to stabilize the powerless ship before it nearly ran aground at the waterfront park.
Background on the Cuauhtémoc
The Cuauhtémoc, an iconic training ship for the Mexican Navy, had arrived in New York City on Thursday as part of an international tour celebrating Mexico’s independence. The vessel was scheduled to visit 22 ports across 15 countries. Its next stop was Reykjavik, Iceland, after departing from Cozumel, Mexico.
The ship has now been relocated to Pier 36 for inspection and investigation.
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22 more receiving free medical care.
You can see what happened. The ship was never meant to go under the bridge. It was only meant to perform the grand display in the area of South Street Seaport. There was a strong tidal current flowing up-river, which was easily countered by the ship’s engines. Well, these engines malfunctioned and the ship simply went backwards under the bridge.
Mexican navy…yea right.
They are good landscapers… not so good mariners