Nearly 300 individuals were on board when a Mexican Navy sailing vessel collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries, according to authorities.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m., with the New York Police Department reporting at least 19 people injured. City officials stated that four of those sustained serious injuries.
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed early Sunday that two people had died following the crash, while two others remained in critical condition.
The ship, identified as the Cuauhtémoc — a 297-foot-long training vessel operated by the Mexican Navy — lost mechanical power while being steered by its captain. The strong current then pushed the vessel into one of the bridge’s pillars, striking the ship’s mast and injuring several sailors, according to NYPD Chief Wilson Aramboles.
All three of the ship’s tall masts were damaged during the collision, the U.S. Coast Guard reported. Despite the severity of the crash, no one fell into the water.
Videos captured by bystanders showed the illuminated masts colliding with the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge, with sailors seen hanging from the rigging in the aftermath.
Following an initial inspection, officials stated there was no structural damage to the bridge. Mayor Adams later confirmed that the bridge had been reopened to traffic and expressed gratitude for the quick response of emergency personnel.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences to the families of those affected and noted that the Mexican government was working closely with U.S. officials. She said the cause of the incident was under investigation by the Mexican Navy and relevant authorities.
The vessel had been departing from Pier 17, en route to Iceland, when the accident occurred. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation, with early findings pointing to a mechanical failure as the likely cause.