A Mexican Navy tall ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, injuring at least 19 people and causing damage to both the historic New York City landmark and the ship itself. The dramatic incident occurred during a ceremonial tour, turning what was meant to be a symbol of diplomatic goodwill into a maritime mishap now under investigation.
The vessel, identified as the ARM Cuauhtémoc, is a well-known training ship used by the Mexican Navy and a frequent participant in international naval exhibitions. According to U.S. Coast Guard officials, the ship struck the bridge’s underside while navigating the East River, just after noon, as it was passing through with its sails lowered.
Eyewitnesses described the moment of impact as sudden and jarring. “There was a loud crunching sound, and then people started screaming,” said local resident Tamika Jones, who was watching from nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park. “It was supposed to be a peaceful parade, but it turned into chaos.”
Initial reports from New York City’s emergency services confirmed that 19 people on board the vessel suffered injuries, including broken bones and concussions. Five of them were transported to local hospitals in serious condition, though none are believed to be life-threatening. Most of the injured were cadets and officers participating in the tour.
The ship was part of a scheduled goodwill visit by the Mexican Navy to strengthen bilateral ties and celebrate cultural exchange. The visit had included dockside events, school visits, and an open-ship tour for the public. The event was being jointly hosted by the Mexican consulate and the U.S. Navy.
Officials from both countries quickly issued statements expressing regret over the incident. “We are grateful that there was no loss of life and that emergency services responded swiftly,” said Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena. “Our thoughts are with the injured, and we are working closely with U.S. authorities to understand what happened.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams also commented, saying, “This was an unfortunate accident, but the cooperation between U.S. and Mexican officials remains strong. Our emergency response teams acted with professionalism and speed.”
Preliminary assessments suggest the collision may have been caused by a combination of navigational misjudgment and miscommunication between the ship’s crew and local maritime traffic controllers. Weather conditions at the time were reported as clear with moderate winds and good visibility.
A joint investigation has been launched by the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and Mexican naval authorities. According to Coast Guard Captain Andrea Sullivan, investigators will examine ship logs, communication records, crew training protocols, and possible mechanical issues. “We’re looking at every possible factor,” she said. “This ship had clearance to pass, so something went wrong.”
The ARM Cuauhtémoc sustained structural damage to its main mast and upper rigging. Photos circulating on social media show splintered wood, torn ropes, and dented railings. Naval engineers are assessing whether the ship can continue its scheduled journey to other East Coast ports or must return to Mexico for repairs.
The Brooklyn Bridge, one of New York’s most iconic landmarks, also suffered minor damage to its steel support beams, though city engineers have deemed it structurally sound. Traffic was temporarily halted during the incident but resumed within hours after inspections.
While the event has temporarily overshadowed the intended spirit of diplomatic celebration, both U.S. and Mexican officials emphasized that the relationship between the two nations remains unaffected. “Incidents like this, while unfortunate, do not define the strength of our bilateral partnership,” said a statement from the U.S. State Department.
As repair crews work to restore the damaged ship and authorities complete their investigation, questions linger about how a routine ceremonial sail through one of the world’s busiest waterways turned into a costly and dangerous accident. For now, officials are focused on supporting the injured and ensuring the safety of future naval operations.
Source: Reuters
