It was a magnificent sight on the East River that turned horribly wrong as a Mexican naval training ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City Saturday night.
At least two people were confirmed dead and many bystanders were left stunned as they watched the events unfold shortly before 8:30 p.m.
According to Fox News, New York City Mayor Eric Adams relayed 19 people were injured — two remain in critical condition.
Watch:
The ship hit the bottom side of the Brooklyn Bridge, officials with the New York Police Department (NYPD) told Fox News. According to the New York Fire Department (FDNY), all 277 occupants have been accounted for.
The Cuauhtémoc, a 150-foot-tall Mexican Navy training ship, almost crashed into a pier before stopping. Sources say a mechanical issue may be to blame as the ship veered off course and hit the bridge. The incident remains under investigation.
“No one fell into the water, they were all hurt inside the ship,” NYPD Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles told WCBS. “…The ship, from what I was informed by the supervisors of the ship, it was disembarking and going to Iceland.”
Some sailors were seen dangling by wires from near of the top of the ship after it struck the bridge.
“I guess it was, the pilot that is assigned to navigate, you know, the boat out of the water, I believe there was some mechanical issues that probably caused the ship to hit the water,”
The Mexican Navy posted about the incident on X.
“During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtémoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being,” according to the post. “The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support. The Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy.”
During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtémoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being.
— DivaPatriot
The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by… https://t.co/4iNJbx88WF(@TeamAmerica2020) May 18, 2025
According to the NYPD, there is no major damage to the Brooklyn Bridge.
New York Attorney General Letitia James sent her prayers to those involved in a post on X.
“I’m praying for everyone who was on this ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge this evening,” James wrote in a post. “New Yorkers should follow local guidance while our first responders do their jobs.”
The ship is in New York City to promote next year’s 250th birthday for America.
