At least two people were killed and 19 others injured after a Mexican Navy training vessel collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday during a promotional tour, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said.
"Of the 277 people on board, 19 sustained injuries—two of whom remain in critical condition—and two tragically lost their lives," Adams said in a post on X.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed sorrow over the "loss of two crew members of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship." The vessel, a barque built in 1982, was on a training mission when its three masts struck the bridge, partially collapsing as it sailed along the East River.
Authorities confirmed the 142-year-old Brooklyn Bridge suffered no major structural damage. The New York City Department of Transportation stated on X that inspections revealed no signs of compromise to the landmark span. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Multiple videos captured the moment the masts snapped upon impact, sending debris onto the bridge’s deck as traffic flowed below. The ship then drifted toward the riverbank, prompting onlookers to scramble away. Sailors were seen clinging to the rigging of the damaged masts.
The Mexican Navy said in a statement that the Cuauhtémoc, an academy training ship, was damaged in the "mishap" and unable to continue its voyage. It emphasized its commitment to crew safety and transparency in the ongoing investigation.
The Brooklyn Bridge, opened in 1883, spans 490 meters and sees over 100,000 vehicles and 32,000 pedestrians daily. The Cuauhtémoc, measuring 90.5 meters long, had embarked from Acapulco on April 6 for a 254-day tour, including stops in 15 countries. Its itinerary included ports in Jamaica, Cuba, France, and Iceland before the accident cut short its journey.
The ship, a regular fixture in naval training, was scheduled to return to Mexico after completing its international tour. Authorities have not yet indicated whether the incident will affect future voyages.