A tragic maritime incident unfolded on Saturday evening when the Mexican Navy’s training vessel, ARM Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge. The accident resulted in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to at least 19 others, including two in critical condition.
The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot-long tall ship commissioned in 1982, was departing from South Street Seaport around 8:26 p.m. when it reportedly lost power and steering capability. Caught by strong East River currents, the vessel drifted uncontrollably and struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge, causing its towering masts to snap upon impact.
The collision led to a chaotic scene as sailors clung to the damaged rigging, with some falling onto the deck. Emergency response teams from the FDNY, NYPD, and U.S. Coast Guard swiftly arrived, evacuating and treating the injured. A total of 27 individuals were removed from the ship for medical attention.
Among the deceased was 20-year-old cadet América Yamilet Sánchez from Veracruz, Mexico. The second fatality was identified as Adal Jair Marcos, also a cadet . Both were on the ship’s masts during the crash. Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle García expressed condolences to Sánchez’s family and praised the Navy’s efforts, indicating ongoing support for the injured.
The Cuauhtémoc was on an international goodwill tour, marking the completion of cadet training. The vessel had recently arrived in New York from Acapulco and was en route to Iceland as part of its instructional cruise . The ship was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations over 254 days.
Despite the severity of the collision, a preliminary inspection revealed no structural damage to the 142-year-old Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge was temporarily closed to traffic but reopened after safety assessments were completed.
The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated an investigation into the incident. Early reports suggest that mechanical failure led to the loss of steering, contributing to the crash . The Mexican Navy has pledged full cooperation with U.S. authorities and has committed to a transparent inquiry into the cause of the accident.
This incident recalls the 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster in Baltimore, where a powerless cargo ship caused a fatal collapse. The Cuauhtémoc had been expected to participate in the 2026 parade of ships celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
The Mexican government and President Claudia Sheinbaum have expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged support to those affected . The Cuauhtémoc’s future itinerary, which included visits to France and Scotland, has been suspended following the incident
