A Mexican Navy ship Brooklyn Bridge crash stunned NYC on May 17, 2025. The ARM Cuauhtémoc collided with the iconic bridge, killing two sailors and injuring 19. The 297-foot tall ship lost power and hit the bridge, snapping its masts. Viral videos show the chaos, fueling X discussions with #BrooklynBridgeCrash. “Mexican Navy ship Brooklyn Bridge crash” searches surged 200% in 4 hours (Google Trends, May 18, 2025). NovexaHub News covers the incident, aftermath, and investigation.
Mexican Navy Ship Brooklyn Bridge Crash: What Happened
On May 17, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. ET, the ARM Cuauhtémoc was on the East River. For example, it had left Pier 17 after a five-day NYC visit. However, the Mexican Navy training ship lost power, drifting into the Brooklyn Bridge. Consequently, its 147-foot masts struck the bridge’s underside, which has a 127-foot clearance. As a result, two sailors died, and 19 were injured. Meanwhile, videos captured the masts snapping, with debris falling onto the deck.
ARM Cuauhtémoc: A Mexican Navy Symbol

The ARM Cuauhtémoc is a 297-foot Mexican Navy tall ship launched in 1982. For instance, it trains cadets and promotes goodwill worldwide. Moreover, the ship began its 254-day journey from Acapulco on April 6, 2025. It planned to visit Iceland, Scotland, and Spain. However, the Mexican Navy ship Brooklyn Bridge crash halted its tour. In addition, the vessel was set for Sail4th 250 events in 2026.
Rescue Efforts After the Crash

NYPD Harbor Unit and SCUBA teams responded fast. Meanwhile, the New York Fire Department also joined the rescue. For example, sailors were seen dangling from broken masts. Therefore, emergency crews saved them amid chaos. “We saw stretchers on smaller boats,” Sydney Neidell told AP. Furthermore, a 14-year-old witness saw a bloodied sailor getting CPR. As a result, eleven of the injured remain critical.
Official Statements on the Incident
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed grief. “We thank NYC Mayor Adams for support,” she said. Meanwhile, the Mexican Navy is working with U.S. authorities. For instance, Mayor Adams confirmed the casualties on X. “Two passed away, and 19 are injured,” he stated. Moreover, the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no structural damage. Consequently, all lanes reopened after a brief closure.
Past Brooklyn Bridge Collisions

The Brooklyn Bridge has seen ship crashes before. For example, in 1921, the schooner Edward J. Lawrence hit the bridge. Similarly, in 1935, the German freighter Tirpitz bent its masts. Additionally, a South Korean freighter grazed the bridge in 1986. However, the Mexican Navy ship Brooklyn Bridge crash is the deadliest. As a result, it caused two deaths and significant damage.
Investigating the Mexican Navy Ship Crash
A mechanical failure likely caused the power loss. For instance, NYPD and Mayor Adams support this theory. Meanwhile, a tugboat was nearby during the crash. Therefore, experts will review the ship’s voyage data recorder. In addition, maritime operations are suspended in the area. Consequently, authorities promise a thorough investigation into the incident.
Public Reactions to the Tragedy

X users shared viral videos of the crash. “It looked like a movie effect,” one witness told People. For example, hashtags like #SupportCuauhtemoc trended with #BrooklynBridgeCrash. Moreover, many expressed solidarity with the Mexican crew. However, the incident sparked safety debates about tall ships. As a result, urban waterways pose risks for such vessels.
What’s Next for the ARM Cuauhtémoc

The Cuauhtémoc was towed to Pier 36 after the crash. For instance, its masts are broken, and the ship is damaged. Meanwhile, crew members secured the vessel in life jackets. However, the Mexican Navy hasn’t announced repair plans. Therefore, the ship’s goodwill tour is on hold. In addition, the crash highlights risks for naval cadets.
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