A Standard Departure Becomes Deadly

On the evening of May 17, 2025, a standard departure shifted into tragedy when the Mexican Navy’s training ship, Cuauhtémoc, collided and became entangled in one of the iconic pillars of New York City’s beautiful Brooklyn Bridge. The incident caused the deaths of two crew members and at least 19 injuries. The ship, which had 277 people on it, was departing South Street Seaport, as part of a goodwill ship cruise around the world when it lost power and began drifting in the East River towards the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Collision and its Immediate Aftermath

At approximately 8:26 p.m. EDT, Cuauhtémoc began to unexpectedly reverse in the East River. Eyewitnesses described it as surreal, with some thinking Cuauhtémoc was part of a movie being filmed. As it entered into the bridge, Cuauhtémoc’s three 147-foot tall masts struck the underside of the bridge and snapped off. Sailors were seen dangling, and debris flying onto the deck. Interestingly, no one fell into the water.

Emergency responders from the NYPD, FDNY, and EMS were on the scene in no time. The ship was directed to Pier 36 for the injured to receive medical care. Two persons were pronounced dead at the local hospitals and a number of others were still in critical condition.

Read about: Would Eliminating Tariffs and Quotas Lead to Lost Jobs?

The Investigation

Preliminary reports suggested that a mechanical malfunction lost power aboard the ship that caused the ship to drift into the bridge. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has announced they will be investigating the accident. The Mexican Navy has said it will fully cooperate throughout the process and that it is already conducting its own review.

Reactions from Officials

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, confirmed that there was no significant structural damage to the 142-year-old Brooklyn Bridge, which was subsequently allowed to reopen with inspection. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, stated that the government was assisting victims and their families and also gave condolences to the families of the deceased.

The Cuauhtémoc: A Goodwill Ambassador

The Cuauhtémoc was commissioned in 1982, as a training vessel of the Mexican Navy and represents Mexico’s maritime heritage. The ship was involved in eight-month global tour, that promoted international goodwill and provided hands-on training for naval cadets.

Moving Forward

The investigations remain ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the details of the mechanical failure and remedial action plans to prevent a recurrence. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the need for strict safety regulations in maritime operations.

Read about: Major Fire at Jacksonville Airport Parking Lot Sparks Travel Delays — What Really Happened?