Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge in New York

NEW YORK, USA – A training ship from the Mexican Navy collided with the base of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on Saturday night, May 17, 2025. The incident occurred around 8:26 p.m. local time, according to the New York Police Department and the Mexican Navy.

Reports indicate that several people are receiving medical assistance, but details about the number of injuries remain unclear. Three individuals are in critical condition, and at least 17 others sustained injuries during the incident, a source with knowledge of the situation told CNN.

“During the maneuver of departure of the training ship Cuauhtémoc in New York, an incident occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge that caused damage to the ship, temporarily preventing the continuation of the training cruise,” the Mexican Navy stated in a post on social media platform X.

In the post, the Navy added that local and naval authorities are reviewing the condition of personnel and equipment involved in the accident.

A video from CNN affiliate WABC captured the ship, which bore a large Mexican flag, lodged at the base of the bridge while a crew of responders worked on a nearby tugboat.

New York emergency management officials confirmed they are responding to an incident at the Brooklyn Bridge. “The situation is ongoing, and details have not been confirmed at this time,” said NYC Emergency Management via X.

As the ship approached the bridge, witnesses recorded the mast just grazing the structure. A video showed bystanders running away from the riverbank as the ship veered towards the shore.

The Cuauhtémoc had arrived in New York on May 13 as part of a promotional mission to enhance cultural ties. The ship departed Acapulco, Mexico on April 6 with 277 personnel on board and was scheduled to visit 22 ports across 15 countries in a cruise lasting 254 days.

“The Cuauhtémoc is more than just a ship; it is the friendly face of our country, carrying the values and warmth of each Mexican to every port we visit,” stated the Navy in its announcement of the ship’s mission.

The Navy reiterated its commitment to the safety of personnel and transparency in its operations following the incident.