A Fateful Evening: The Cuauhtémoc’s Collision with the Brooklyn Bridge
On the evening of May 17, 2025, a routine departure turned tragic when the Mexican Navy’s esteemed training vessel, the ARM Cuauhtémoc, collided with New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The incident resulted in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to at least 19 others, casting a somber shadow over what was intended to be a celebratory voyage.
The Vessel: ARM Cuauhtémoc
Commissioned in 1982, the ARM Cuauhtémoc is a sail training ship of the Mexican Navy, named after the last Aztec emperor. Designed for cadet training and goodwill missions, the vessel has visited numerous international ports, symbolizing Mexico’s maritime heritage. At the time of the incident, the Cuauhtémoc was on an eight-month global tour, having docked in New York as part of the Sail4th event leading up to the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The Incident Unfolds
At approximately 8:26 p.m. EDT, as the Cuauhtémoc departed Manhattan en route to Iceland, the ship experienced a loss of power, rendering it unable to maneuver effectively. Consequently, the vessel’s towering 147-foot masts struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge, which has a vertical clearance of 127 feet. The impact caused the masts to shear off, leading to chaos on board.
Casualties and Emergency Response
The collision resulted in the deaths of two crew members who fell from the ship’s rigging during the impact. Seventeen others sustained injuries, with two reported in critical condition. Emergency services, including the FDNY and NYPD Harbor Unit, responded swiftly, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals and securing the vessel at Pier 16.
Structural Impact on the Brooklyn Bridge
Despite the severity of the collision, the Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883 and a vital link between Manhattan and Brooklyn, sustained no major structural damage. After thorough inspections, the bridge was reopened to traffic later that evening.
Investigations and Official Statements
The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated an investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that a mechanical failure leading to the loss of propulsion was a critical factor. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased and affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the affected personnel.
Broader Implications
This incident underscores the challenges of navigating large vessels in urban waterways, especially under structures with limited clearance. It also highlights the importance of rigorous maintenance and emergency preparedness for maritime operations.
- Authoritative Source: For comprehensive coverage and updates on this incident, refer to Reuters’ detailed report.