A Routine Goodwill Tour Turns to Chaos
Saturday evening in New York City is usually a time for sunset strolls and the hum of weekend traffic. But on May 17, 2025, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge became the backdrop for a maritime disaster that left two sailors dead, more than twenty injured, and hundreds of onlookers in shock. The Mexican Navy’s tall ship, the Cuauhtémoc, a familiar sight on international goodwill tours, collided with the bridge in a scene that felt ripped from a disaster film.
I was nowhere near the East River that night, but as the news alerts started pinging my phone, I could picture the chaos: the screech of metal, the snap of masts, the sudden, collective gasp of a city that’s seen its share of calamity. The Cuauhtémoc, with its three proud masts and a giant Mexican flag, was supposed to be a symbol of friendship. Instead, it became the center of a tragedy that’s now under federal investigation.
The Collision: What Happened?
Eyewitness videos, now circulating widely, show the Cuauhtémoc moving in reverse toward the Brooklyn side of the East River. In a matter of seconds, its three masts struck the bridge’s span and snapped, one after another, as the ship continued its unintended course. The vessel, carrying 277 people, then drifted into a pier as onlookers scrambled for safety. Miraculously, no one on the bridge itself was hurt, but the scene on the ship was harrowing: sailors left dangling from harnesses high above the deck, some for as long as 15 minutes before rescue teams could reach them.
Sydney Neidell and Lily Katz, who were watching the sunset nearby, described the surreal sight of a crew member hanging from the rigging, suspended in the air. “We saw someone dangling, and I couldn’t tell if it was just blurry or my eyes,” Katz told the Associated Press. “We were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them.”
The Aftermath: Loss, Rescue, and Investigation
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that two of the four people who suffered serious injuries later died. At least 19 others needed medical treatment, and the total number of injured has since risen to 22, with several in critical condition.
The ship’s collision with the bridge was so forceful that it snapped all three masts, but the 142-year-old Brooklyn Bridge itself was spared major structural damage. Traffic was halted for inspection but resumed later that night. The Cuauhtémoc, battered and broken, was eventually towed up the East River and docked at a nearby pier, drawing crowds of stunned onlookers.
Federal transportation officials, including the National Transportation Safety Board, have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Early reports suggest the ship may have lost power due to a mechanical failure just after leaving a Manhattan pier, causing it to veer off course. A tugboat was seen near the Cuauhtémoc at the time, but it’s unclear if it was able to assist before the collision.
A Ship With a Storied Past
The Cuauhtémoc is no ordinary vessel. Launched in 1982, it serves as a training ship for the Mexican Navy and is a floating ambassador for Mexico, visiting ports around the world. This year’s voyage began in Acapulco on April 6, with plans to visit 22 ports in 15 nations over 254 days. The ship had arrived in New York just days before the accident, welcoming visitors aboard as part of its goodwill mission.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased sailors, calling the incident a “tragic loss” and pledging support for those affected. The Mexican Navy has promised a transparent investigation and is working closely with U.S. authorities.
The Human Toll and the Questions Ahead
For those who witnessed the crash, the images are hard to shake. Nick Corso, 23, was taking photos of the sunset when he heard what sounded like the snapping of a “big twig.” He described the ensuing panic as people ran for cover and sailors clung to the rigging. “I didn’t know what to think, I was like, is this a movie?” he said.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain: Was this a preventable mechanical failure? Did human error play a role? And how can such a storied ship, with decades of safe voyages, end up in such a catastrophic situation in one of the world’s busiest cities?
A City’s Resilience, a Ship’s Legacy
The Brooklyn Bridge has stood for more than a century as a symbol of New York’s resilience. It has survived storms, accidents, and the relentless march of time. The Cuauhtémoc, too, has weathered many seas. This collision is a reminder that even the most routine journeys can turn tragic in an instant.
As I reflect on the images and stories from that night, I’m struck by the fragility of even our most enduring icons—and the courage of those who rush to help when disaster strikes. The investigation will bring answers, but for now, New York mourns with Mexico, united by loss and the hope that lessons learned will prevent future tragedies.