Federal Investigation Launched into Mexican Tall Ship’s Collision with Brooklyn Bridge

NEW YORK — A tragic incident involving the Mexican navy training ship Cuauhtemoc resulted in two fatalities and injuries to multiple sailors after a collision with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday. Among the hurt, at least 19 of the ship’s 277 crew members required medical attention.

On Monday, seven officers and 172 cadets returned to Veracruz, home of Mexico’s naval academy. Two cadets remain in New York receiving treatment but are reported to be in stable condition, according to the Mexican navy.

The tragedy unfolded when the Cuauhtemoc’s tall masts struck the main span of the historic bridge shortly after leaving a Manhattan dock, where it had been open to the public. Disturbing footage from bystanders captured the moment as the ship accelerated backward, colliding with the 142-year-old structure and losing its topmasts. Several cadets were positioned aloft during the incident, with some left precariously hanging from their safety harnesses as the masts fractured.

Investigators from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are probing the cause of the crash, which authorities suspect may be linked to a mechanical failure. Reports indicate that the ship was moving away from its intended path, driven by motor power, when it struck the bridge. A tugboat that had assisted the Cuauhtemoc in leaving its berth was unable to avert the impending disaster despite attempts to catch up.

The NTSB plans to conduct its first media briefing on the matter later today. The investigation is anticipated to be extensive, requiring several months for a conclusive report. Meanwhile, the Cuauhtemoc remains docked in Manhattan.

Among the deceased is 20-year-old América Yamilet Sánchez, a sailor enrolled in engineering studies at the Mexican naval academy. Reports indicate she died following a fall from the ship’s masts. The Cuauhtemoc had arrived in New York on May 13 as part of its global goodwill tour, and had welcomed visitors at South Street Seaport. The next destination was Iceland.

Notably, the ship’s main mast reaches an impressive height of 160 feet (50 meters), well above the clearance of the Brooklyn Bridge, regardless of tide conditions.

Associated Press reporter Fabiola Sánchez in Mexico City contributed to this story.