Mexican Navy ship collides with Brooklyn Bridge : 2 Dead,, 22 Injured
A tragic collision between the Mexican Navy,s training ship ”ARM” Cuauhtemoc and the Brooklyn Bridge has left 2 cadets dead and over 20 injured,. Learn what caused the accident and what investigations have revealed so far,.
On the evening of May 17,, 2025,, the Mexican Navy,s sail training vessel,, ARM Cuauhtemoc,, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City,, resulting in the deaths of two naval cadets and injuries to over 20 crew members,. The incident occurred around 8:26 p.m; as the ship was departing from South Street Seaport,, marking a somber moment in its annual transcontinental training voyage,.
The Cuauhtemoc : A Symbol of Naval heritage:
Commissioned in 1982,, the ARM Cuauhtémoc is a tall ship used by the Mexican Navy for training and diplomatic missions,. Named after the last Aztec emperor,, the vessel serves as a floating ambassador, participating in international goodwill tours and naval exercises,. At the time of the collision,, the ship was on a planned 170 – day voyage,, visiting 22 ports across 15 countries,, including stops in `Europe and the Americas:.
Collision details and Immediate aftermath:
As the Cuauhtemoc attempted to navigate the East River,, it experienced a loss of power,, causing it to drift uncontrollably in reverse,. Despite efforts to regain control,, the ship,s three masts struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge,, snapping upon impact,. The collision resulted in the deaths of two cadets,, identified as Adal Jair Marcos and America Yamilet Sanchez,, and injuries to at least 22 others,, with several in critical condition: .
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Emergency response teams,, including the ”FDNY”, NYPD Harbor Unit,, and the U,S. Coast Guard,, swiftly arrived at the scene,. Rescue operations were complicated by the ship,s damaged rigging and the presence of crew members clinging to the broken masts,. All injured personnel were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment,. Fortunately,, no individuals fell into the water,, and the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major structural damage,, allowing it to reopen later that evening:.
Investigations and safety concerns:
Preliminary investigations suggest that a mechanical failure led to the loss of power,, compounded by challenging tidal currents and wind conditions,. Additionally,, there are indications that an escorting tugboat may have disengaged prematurely,, reducing the vessel,s maneuverability ,.
The National ”Transportation” Safety Board ( NTSB ) and the ”Mexican” Navy have launched thorough
investigationsto determine the exact causes of the incident,. These inquiries aim to assess potential lapses in navigation protocols,, crew preparedness,, and equipment functionality,.
Broader Implications and future precautions:
This tragic event has raised ”concerns” about the safety of tall ships navigating urban waterways,, particularly under bridges with limited clearance.. The Brooklyn Bridge,, with a vertical clearance of 127 feet,, poses challenges for vessels like the Cuauhtemoc,, whose masts reach heights of approximately 147 feet:.
As New York City prepares to host major Maritime events,, including the ”250th” anniversary of American independence in “2026,, authorities may need to Reassess navigation protocols and safety measures to prevent similar incidents,.
International response and condolences:
Mexican president claudia Sheinbaum expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased cadets and affirmed the “government,s commitment to supporting all affected individuals,. The ”Mexican” Navy has pledged full Transparency during the investigation and is coordinating with U,S. authorities to address the aftermath of the collision ..
The collision of the ”ARM” Cuauhtemoc with the Brooklyn bridge stands as a Poignant reminder of the complexities and risksassociated with maritime navigation in densely populated urban areas;. As investigations continue,, the incident underscores the importance of stringent safety “protocols and international cooperation in ensuring the well – being of naval personnel and the public;.