Mexican Navy Ship ‘Cuauhtémoc’ Collides with Brooklyn Bridge in NYC, Injuries Reported | Watch Eyewitness Videos

New York City | May 18, 2025 – In a startling incident that unfolded Saturday evening, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge was struck by a towering mast of the ARM Cuauhtémoc, a training ship of the Mexican Navy, during its promotional tour in New York City. The collision resulted in the snapping and partial collapse of three of the ship’s masts, with eyewitness videos capturing the dramatic moment as they crashed onto the deck.

What Happened: Mexican Navy Ship Hits Brooklyn Bridge

According to eyewitnesses and multiple viral videos circulating on social media, the Cuauhtémoc was sailing along the East River when one of its nearly 150-foot tall masts brushed against the structure of the Brooklyn Bridge, leading to a violent impact. The collision occurred just before 9 PM local time, with heavy vehicular traffic visible on the bridge at the time.

“Just watched the Brooklyn Bridge get smoked live by a boat with a massive Mexican flag,” posted one eyewitness, Nelson Slinkard, who shared a video of the incident on X (formerly Twitter).

Another view of the Mexican tail ship crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge pic.twitter.com/XVmwRYxFaI

— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) May 18, 2025

Emergency Response and Injury Reports

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) confirmed that emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene. Initial reports mention injuries, but authorities have not yet disclosed how many individuals were hurt or whether they were aboard the vessel or on the bridge.

Rescue operations and damage assessments were still underway late into the night, with local and naval teams coordinating closely.

Mexican Navy Confirms Damage to Ship Cuauhtémoc

The Mexican Navy officially acknowledged the incident on social media, confirming that the Cuauhtémoc, their prestigious academy training vessel, sustained damage after the collision. The statement noted that the voyage has been temporarily halted while naval and local officials assess the vessel’s condition and crew welfare.

“The Secretary of the Navy renews its commitment to the safety of personnel, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Armada,” the navy said in Spanish.

About the ARM Cuauhtémoc: Pride of the Mexican Navy

Commissioned in 1982, the Cuauhtémoc is a majestic barque-type sailing vessel spanning approximately 297 feet in length and 40 feet in width. It plays a vital role in the development and training of naval cadets, embarking annually on international voyages as part of its curriculum.

This year’s voyage began on April 6 from the Pacific port of Acapulco with 277 people on board. The itinerary included visits to 22 ports in 15 countries, such as Kingston (Jamaica), Havana (Cuba), Cozumel (Mexico), and New York City. The full journey was scheduled to last 254 days—170 at sea and 84 in various ports.

Future planned stops included European destinations like Reykjavik (Iceland), Bordeaux, Saint-Malo, and Dunkirk (France), and Aberdeen (Scotland), making the ship a symbol of international maritime diplomacy and education.

Eyewitness Videos Capture Shocking Moments

Several videos from bystanders have surfaced, vividly showing the towering masts colliding with the bridge and collapsing. One video shared by user Karli Bonne’ showed the moment of impact from another angle, drawing millions of views and reactions online.

Watch Eyewitness Video: Click to Watch on X

Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety

As of now, city officials and the Mexican Navy are jointly investigating the cause of the collision. Preliminary assumptions point toward a possible miscalculation in the ship’s clearance height as it approached the Brooklyn Bridge.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as emergency crews continue their assessments and debris removal.