New York City, May 17, 2025 — A serene spring evening in Manhattan turned tragic when the Mexican Navy’s flagship training vessel, the ARM Cuauhtémoc, collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The accident left two sailors dead and several others injured, raising serious questions about maritime safety along New York’s heavily trafficked waterways.
What Happened?
At approximately 8:26 PM on Friday night, the ARM Cuauhtémoc, a majestic 297-foot tall ship, was departing from Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport. The ship, which had docked in New York as part of an international goodwill tour, unexpectedly lost power as it began to back away from the pier.
Eyewitnesses say the vessel drifted uncontrollably toward the Brooklyn Bridge. Within minutes, its towering masts made contact with the underside of the bridge structure. The impact sheared off all three masts, sending debris onto the deck and the water below. Chaos broke out on board as sailors scrambled to secure the ship and assist the wounded.
Casualties and Emergency Response
Tragically, two crew members lost their lives in the collision:
- Cadet América Yamilet Sánchez.
- Seaman Adal Jair Marcos.
Another 19 sailors were injured, with four reported in serious condition. Emergency services from the NYPD, FDNY, and the U.S. Coast Guard were quick to respond, ferrying the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities confirmed that none of the injured fell overboard, and all crew members have been accounted for.
The Brooklyn Bridge Withstands the Impact
Despite the force of the crash, the Brooklyn Bridge — a 142-year-old engineering marvel — sustained no structural damage, according to the New York City Department of Transportation. After a brief closure for inspection, the bridge was reopened to vehicular and pedestrian traffic by late evening.
The ARM Cuauhtémoc — Pride of the Mexican Navy
The ARM Cuauhtémoc is no ordinary ship. Launched in 1981, it serves as a floating classroom for cadets of the Mexican Navy. Nicknamed the “Ambassador and Knight of the Seas,” the ship embarked on a 254-day global tour from Acapulco on April 6, 2025. The voyage was scheduled to visit 22 ports across 15 countries, including a stop in Iceland after New York.
This accident has cast a shadow over the diplomatic and training goals of the journey, prompting mourning across Mexico and sympathy from around the world.
Investigation Underway
Initial reports suggest a mechanical failure — most likely a power outage — caused the ship to lose navigational control. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in coordination with Mexican authorities, has launched a full investigation. Marine experts will assess whether human error, engine malfunction, or environmental factors were involved.
Global and Local Reactions
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a public statement expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and pledging full cooperation in the investigation.
In New York, Mayor Eric Adams called the incident a "devastating but narrowly averted catastrophe" and praised first responders for their swift action.
Social media was awash with disbelief as videos of the ship striking the bridge quickly went viral. Many shared sorrowful tributes to the fallen cadets and questioned how such a failure could occur on a routine departure.
A Reminder of the Unexpected
This tragic event is a sobering reminder that even amid routine operations and global diplomacy, accidents can happen — and often without warning. The strength of New York’s emergency infrastructure and the resilience of its landmarks were evident, but the human toll leaves a lasting scar.
As investigations unfold, both the Mexican and U.S. governments aim to learn from this disaster to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.