It was supposed to be a proud passage through New York’s harbor. But within seconds, the Mexican Navy’s majestic tall ship diverged into disaster — under the shadow of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
A Mexican navy sailing ship on a global tour struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday, May 17, sending shockwaves through those who witnessed and social media alike.
The Cuauhtémoc, a tall ship used for naval training, was departing New York as part of its international instructional voyage. But during its departure maneuver, something went wrong. The vessel began drifting in reverse toward the iconic Brooklyn Bridge before hitting it.
In videos captured by onlookers, the Cuauhtémoc is seen moving stern-first along the East River, directly toward the bridge. It was near the Brooklyn side when its towering masts hit the bridge.
Just watched the Brooklyn Bridge get smoked live by a boat with a massive Mexican flag pic.twitter.com/R8eJKwJaJ2
— Nelson Slinkard (@TheWillieNelson) May 18, 2025
The masts cracked and snapped one by one, crumbling as the ship continued its backward drift. While gasps could be heard in real-time footage, what many noticed before the collision sparked even greater attention online.
As clips of the incident circulated, so did the commentary. Viewers quickly pointed out something was amiss before the crash occurred. “It is obvious that the ship is going backward with the current. They probably lost power,” one person wrote. Another commented, “Why is it going backward? Is it being pulled by a tug boat?”
Netizens expressed confusion as the vessel steadily reversed toward danger, “Is it… going backwards?” someone asked. “They’re drifting backwards, guys. This wasn’t a planned bridge crossing,” added another. Speculation intensified as people debated what led to the mishap.
One person, apparently trying to bring clarity, noted, “People, before commenting, bear in ming [sic] this ship was going backwards. No, they did not think they could make it under. They had already lost power or were at the mercy of outside forces—looks like both wind and tides were pushing them in the opposite direction from where they wanted to go.”
Another added bluntly, “Ship is backing into the bridge… maybe capitano at sleep??? Terrible to watch [sic].” One commenter sympathized, “Terrible loss of lives!”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the gravity of the incident in an official statement shared on X. “Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge,” the statement read.
He stated that the ship had 277 people aboard when the incident occurred, revealing, “19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries.” A senior city official also spoke to CNN and confirmed that the ship was indeed moving in the “wrong direction” at the time of the crash.
The Mexican Navy responded through its official X account, noting that authorities are continuing to assess both personnel and equipment. Local and naval teams are cooperating in the investigation and providing ongoing support.
Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge.
At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries. pic.twitter.com/mlaCX0X8Mh
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) May 18, 2025
The Navy also issued a broader message of reassurance. It reiterated its commitment to the safety of its crew, the transparency of its actions, and its mission to uphold high standards in the education and training of future officers.
In the hours following the incident, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a public statement expressing sorrow over the loss of life aboard the Cuauhtémoc.
“We deeply regret the passing of two crew members of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident at the port of New York,” she wrote on X. “Our solidarity and support go out to their families.”
Sheinbaum noted that the Ministry of the Navy, in coordination with local authorities, is tending to those injured. She also confirmed that diplomatic personnel — including Mexico’s ambassador to the United States and officials from the Consulate General in New York — are assisting with response efforts.
She extended thanks to the New York City Mayor for the support given to Mexican nationals and affirmed that her government remains closely informed.
For over four decades, the Cuauhtémoc has symbolized the pride and tradition of Mexico’s naval training. Each year, the tall ship embarks on an ambitious global voyage, marking the final chapter in the education of cadets at the Heroica Escuela Naval Militar — the Mexican Navy’s only training academy.
Built in Spain and launched in July 1982, the Cuauhtémoc was one of four sister ships designed for Ibero-American navies. Since then, it has crisscrossed oceans, docking in cities worldwide and showcasing the seamanship of generations of Mexican cadets.
When not at sea, the ship rests in Acapulco. But each year, after students complete their studies, it launches into an extended mission. The 2025 voyage was scheduled for 254 days, with 170 at sea and 84 in ports across the globe — from San Francisco to Sydney. Lower Manhattan was just its third stop.
The ship, Cuauhtémoc, named after the last emperor of the Aztec Empire, carries a powerful legacy. He was captured and executed by Spanish conquistadors in 1525, but his name now sails across oceans, etched in the history.
Over the years, the Cuauhtémoc has earned honors and set records. In 2006, it completed a 32,502-nautical mile circumnavigation, the longest training voyage ever recorded. Now, its journey is halted.
As the investigation continues, New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol stated that the National Transportation Safety Board, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Mexican government are coordinating efforts to determine the next course of action.
“Right now…our main focus is moving the ship safely to another location where it can begin repairs and then get it back on its way,” he stated. For a vessel steeped in history and maritime achievement, the days ahead will mark a pause and a turning point in its storied passage across the waters.
