Federal Probe Unfolds After Mexican Tall Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge

NEW YORK — An investigation has been launched by federal transportation officials following a serious incident involving the Mexican navy tall ship Cuauhtemoc. During a global goodwill tour, the vessel struck the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, resulting in the loss of two crew members and injuring at least 19 others.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that the Cuauhtemoc was moving swiftly in reverse towards the bridge when it collided. Footage shows the ship’s three masts snapping one by one as it made contact. The cause of this veer off course remains unclear, and the National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a team to probe the incident.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that the 142-year-old bridge sustained no major damage. Video footage from the scene captured heavy traffic atop the span at the time of the crash, yet no one on the bridge was harmed.

At the time, the ship was flying a large Mexican flag and had 277 people aboard. Following the collision, it drifted toward a pier as onlookers fled the area. Fortunately, sailors caught in the rigging on the damaged masts did not fall into the water.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes. Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz observed someone dangling from a mast for several minutes before rescuers could reach them. Nick Corso, capturing the sunset, heard alarming snapping noises and recorded the ensuing confusion among those nearby.

Mexico’s naval authority confirmed the Cuauhtemoc serves primarily as a training vessel. In a statement, they reported a total of 22 injuries and expressed condolences over the fatalities.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum conveyed her sympathies to the victims’ families, while Navy Secretary Adm. Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles assured that the investigation would be thorough and transparent, thanking first responders in New York.

The Brooklyn Bridge, a landmark built in 1883, sees over 100,000 vehicles and approximately 32,000 pedestrians daily. Despite the accident, traffic resumed after inspection.

Initial reports indicate the ship may have lost power due to a mechanical issue before the crash. A tugboat was observed near Cuauhtemoc at the time of the collision.

As night fell, the damaged vessel was slowly moved up the East River with the aid of tugboats, eventually docking after further inspection. The Cuauhtemoc had embarked from Acapulco on April 6 and was scheduled to visit various ports worldwide.

Commissioned in 1982, the Cuauhtemoc spans nearly 300 feet in length and features a main mast reaching 160 feet high. The incident has drawn significant attention, prompting continued scrutiny from authorities.