A devastating maritime accident occurred Saturday night when the Mexican Navy’s tall ship Cuauhtémoc slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, killing two sailors and injuring at least 19 others. The ship was participating in a global goodwill tour aimed at strengthening international ties and training naval cadets.

Videos captured the shocking moment the ship’s towering masts collided with the bridge, violently throwing sailors into the air and leaving others hanging from shattered rigging above the deck.

New York City officials said the vessel lost power while traveling along the East River, causing it to veer off course and strike the bridge. The 277-foot-long training ship suffered extensive damage to its three masts, which snapped upon impact. While the bridge itself remained structurally sound, Mayor Eric Adams reported that emergency teams treated 27 people, four of whom had serious injuries. Two later died from their wounds.

One of the victims was cadet América Yamilet Sánchez Hernández of Veracruz, whose death sparked an outpouring of grief from both Mexican and U.S. officials. The Cuauhtémoc, launched in 1982, is a key training vessel for Mexico’s naval academy, taking graduates on international voyages each year. The ship had docked in New York on May 13 and was en route to its next port when the crash happened.

Authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard and NYPD, are investigating the cause of the collision. Preliminary findings suggest a mechanical failure may be to blame.

The incident has sparked renewed concern about the safety of maritime navigation in busy metropolitan waterways, particularly when involving large training vessels.

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