A towering Mexican navy tall ship, Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night after reportedly losing power while sailing out of New York toward Iceland. The 277-crew vessel, primarily filled with cadets, smashed into the bridge around 8:30 p.m., shearing off its 147-foot masts.
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2 sailors died and 19 others were injured, 4 critically.
The collision occurred when the ship’s masts exceeded the bridge’s 135-foot clearance.
Eyewitnesses saw sailors falling or dangling from collapsing masts.
Footage captured the chaotic aftermath, with bystanders fleeing and police boats responding quickly.
The ship was eventually steered to safety and remains idle near Pier 36.
Officials confirmed the Brooklyn Bridge suffered minor damage and has reopened.
The Cuauhtémoc was visiting as part of the Sail4th celebration ahead of America’s 250th birthday in 2026. The incident has cast a somber tone on what was meant to be a goodwill voyage.
