A Mexican navy training ship on a promotional tour of New York City crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, with multiple videos on social media capturing the horrifying moment its masts made contact with the famous landmark.
The ship, called the Cuauhtémoc, which was covered in lights and brandishing a huge Mexican flag, was carrying about 200 people when it collided with the structure, according to the New York Post.
The outlet reported that a search and rescue operation was underway. At least 20 people are reportedly injured, three of whom are in critical condition, according to CNN.
Footage taken by James Rogers showed the bridge was packed with traffic when the incident happened.
This tall ship just hit the Brooklyn Bridge pic.twitter.com/6ETbEck7Au
— James Rogers (@jamesjrogers) May 18, 2025
A statement from the Mexican Navy posted to X and translated to English, said a “mishap” occurred with the bridge, “causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being.”
“The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support,” the statement read. “The Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy.
The Brooklyn Bridge is of the most famous structures in the Big Apple. The cable-stayed suspension bridge joins the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River. Its clearance is 127 feet, whereas the Cuauhtémoc’s masts are 147 feet.
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New York Attorney General Letitia James wrote on X: “I’m praying for everyone who was on this ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge this evening. New Yorkers should follow local guidance while our first responders do their jobs.”
