A Mexican Navy Ship suffered a serious accident on the night of Saturday, May 17, 2025, when it collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, United States. The Secretary of the Navy (SEMAR) confirmed that the accident caused the death of two cadets and at least 20 people injured, including eleven in serious condition.
According to preliminary reports, an alleged mechanical or electrical failure prevented the ship from maintaining control, causing it to be dragged by the current until it struck one of the pillars of the 142-year-old bridge. Some experts also pointed to a problem with the ship’s tug. U.S. authorities, led by Mayor Eric Adams, stated that the ship “apparently lost power” just as it began its departure maneuver toward Iceland, around 8:30 PM.
Why did the sailing ship crash?
It is known that the investigation is ongoing, with several U.S. authorities involved, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), to determine the causes of the incident. The preliminary version points to a loss of electrical power, although witnesses say that the tug never managed to push the ship properly, suggesting a possible failure in that auxiliary mechanism.
Why was a Mexican ship in New York?
The sailing ship Cuauhtémoc carried 277 crew members, mostly naval cadets, including 64 women and 213 men. The voyage was part of the “Consolidation of Mexico’s Independence 2025” Instructional Cruise, organized to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the consummation of Mexican independence, with the goal of strengthening naval education and promoting Mexican culture and diplomacy abroad.
The Cuauhtémoc departed from Acapulco, Guerrero, on April 6, 2025, and had been in New York since May 13. Prior to that, it had visited Jamaica, Cuba, and Cozumel, and after its stay in the U.S., it was scheduled to continue its journey to European ports such as Reykjavik (Iceland), Bordeaux (France), and London (United Kingdom), among others, for a total of 22 ports in 15 countries.
How did the impact with the Brooklyn Bridge happen?
Witnesses captured with their phones the dramatic moment when the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship, as it was departing from the Manhattan pier, was dragged in reverse by the East River current until it collided with the base of the bridge. The images show the moment when the ship’s three masts—measuring 44.8 meters (147 feet) in height—struck the structure of the bridge, which has a clearance of 41.1 meters (135 feet).
Video of mexican ship hitting bridge
Several sailors were high up on the masts at the time of impact, performing the traditional farewell from the rigging. Some fell, while others were left hanging by their safety harnesses. The accident happened just as they were saying goodbye to the crowd gathered at Pier 17 in Manhattan.
What did the Secretary of the Navy report?
The Secretary of the Navy (SEMAR) reported that the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship sustained significant structural damage, forcing the cancellation of its itinerary. In a statement, it confirmed that 22 sailors were injured, of whom 19 were hospitalized, and three were in serious condition. Later, the death of two cadets was reported, and two others remained in critical condition.
21-Year-Old Cadet Among the Dead in the Accident
According to Mexican media, one of the people who died in the crash involving the Mexican ship was identified as América Sánchez, a 21-year-old cadet from the Heroica Escuela Naval. The young woman was originally from Xalapa, Veracruz.
According to official reports, the young woman was on one of the ship’s masts when the accident occurred, just as it was setting sail after a four-day stay in New York as part of an international training tour.
Esta señorita se llamaba América Yamilet Sánchez, originaria de Xalapa Veracruz, era cadete del buque escuela “Cuauhtémoc” y gracias a la incompetencia de alguien no volverá a ver a su familia.
La incompetencia cuesta.. y vidas
QEPD 🙏 abrazo solidario a su familia y amigos. pic.twitter.com/0Da3NJpOer
— Salem The Cat (@Halloween_miau) May 18, 2025
Was the Brooklyn Bridge damaged?
No. Mayor Eric Adams was one of the first to make public statements, lamenting the accident and emphasizing that the Brooklyn Bridge did not suffer significant structural damage.
Next to him was the Mexican Ambassador to the United States, Esteban Moctezuma, who was on board during the farewell event. After the incident, he stated that the injured were receiving quality medical care at Bellevue Hospital and that contact was being maintained with the victims’ families. “The Cuauhtémoc Training Ship is a symbol of Mexico in the world. Today we support it with respect, with solidarity, and with determination,” said the diplomat.
What did President Claudia Sheinbaum say about the accident?
The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, expressed her condolences on social media: “We deeply regret the death of two members of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship crew, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident at the port of New York. Our solidarity and support to the families”. She also thanked Mayor Adams for his cooperation and confirmed that the Mexican Navy will provide all necessary support to those affected.
Who is the commander of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship?
The current commander of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship is Captain Víctor Hugo Molina Pérez, an officer with years of service in the Mexican Navy. Under his command, the ship departed from Acapulco on April 6, with a planned journey of 254 days, including 170 days at sea and 84 days in port.
Why was there a Mexican ship in New York?
The presence of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship in New York was part of a diplomatic and educational visit within the context of the international cruise mentioned above. The ship is known as the “Gentleman of the Seas”, and represents a symbol of the Mexican Navy and people around the world. During its visit to the Big Apple, the ship welcomed consular representatives, tourists, and the general public as part of a naval diplomacy mission.
How did authorities and the public react?
After the impact, the Brooklyn Bridge was closed for approximately one hour. Emergency teams, including divers and paramedics, were quickly deployed. Fortunately, it was confirmed that no sailors fell into the water. The scene caused brief panic among pedestrians and drivers, and social media was flooded with viral videos of the accident captured by witnesses.
Although some bystanders described the scene as a “nightmare,” they also expressed solidarity with the Mexican sailors.
