2025-05-18T04:25:08Z

---

In a dramatic incident on Saturday, a Mexican Navy sailing ship collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, resulting in injuries to at least 19 individuals. Among the injured, four people are reported to be in critical condition, highlighting the severity of the accident. This event has raised significant concerns among both locals and officials regarding maritime safety in busy urban areas.

The ship, known as the Cuauhtemoc, is an academy training vessel that was flying the vibrant green, white, and red flag of Mexico at the time of the incident. Eyewitnesses captured the moment when the ship sailed beneath the bridge, only to have its three towering masts collide violently with the historic structure. Video footage shared online shows the masts snapping and partially collapsing, creating a chaotic scene as debris fell onto the bridge.

In the immediate aftermath, the vessel began drifting toward the edge of the East River, prompting onlookers to swiftly retreat to safety. Reports indicate that sailors were seen aloft in the rigging of the damaged masts during the incident, raising concerns for their safety as well.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that while the collision resulted in injuries, the Brooklyn Bridge, which has stood since its opening in 1883, suffered no major structural damage. This news comes as a relief, given the bridge's critical role in daily transportation, with more than 100,000 vehicles and approximately 32,000 pedestrians crossing it each day.

The cause of the collision is currently under investigation by local authorities, who are working alongside the Mexican Navy. Eyewitnesses Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz shared their harrowing experience with the Associated Press, stating that they were outside enjoying the sunset when they witnessed the collision. They described the unnerving sight of a sailor dangling precariously from a harness attached to the ship's rigging for at least 15 minutes before rescuers could reach them.

Emergency responders were quick to act, as two individuals were eventually removed from the ship on stretchers and transferred into smaller rescue boats. The Mexican Navy took to the social media platform X to confirm the accident and noted that the vessel was unable to continue its voyage due to the damage sustained.

In response to the incident, Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that their ambassador to the United States, along with officials from the Mexican consulate in New York, are coordinating with local authorities to assist the affected cadets onboard the ship. However, they did not provide updates on the injuries.

The Brooklyn Bridge, renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance, features a main span of nearly 1,600 feet (490 meters) supported by two elegant masonry towers. As a major tourist attraction, the bridge's walkway offers stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding waterways, making it a cherished landmark for both visitors and residents alike.