Dramatic Footage Shows Mexican Navy Ship Crashing into Brooklyn Bridge—Cause Revealed
In a shocking maritime accident that has gone viral across social media, videos show the moment the Mexican Navy’s training ship, Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The incident occurred at approximately 8:26 p.m. on May 17, 2025, as the ship was departing Pier 17 on a scheduled goodwill mission to Iceland.
The tall ship, known for its towering masts and sail training exercises, struck the underside of the historic bridge as it passed under it. The impact caused significant damage to the masts and injured 22 individuals onboard. Of those injured, four were reported in serious condition and were transported to local hospitals by emergency responders.
Viral Ship Collision Captured on Video
Dramatic videos of the ship crashing into the bridge show splintering masts and pieces of rigging collapsing onto the deck as bystanders watched in disbelief. The footage, captured by eyewitnesses and shared on platforms like YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), has since been viewed millions of times and has become one of the most discussed incidents of the week.
Mechanical Failure Blamed for Ship Crash
According to preliminary reports, the cause of the ship collision was a mechanical failure that left the crew unable to properly navigate the vessel as it approached the bridge. Officials from the Mexican Navy confirmed that the Cuauhtémoc lost maneuvering capabilities shortly before the crash. They are currently cooperating with U.S. maritime authorities to fully investigate the circumstances.
Brooklyn Bridge Inspected—Minimal Damage
Following the collision, the New York City Department of Transportation conducted immediate inspections on the Brooklyn Bridge. Fortunately, engineers determined that there was no significant structural damage. The bridge was temporarily closed to traffic during the investigation but was reopened within hours once it was deemed safe.
Ship’s Tour Suspended for Repairs and Review
The Cuauhtémoc, built in 1982, is a legendary training ship that has visited over 60 countries and participated in hundreds of international events. Its current mission has been suspended, and the ship remains docked while the Mexican Navy assesses damages and develops a plan for repairs.
Authorities Continue Investigation
Both U.S. and Mexican authorities are continuing to investigate the crash to ensure accountability and to improve protocols for maritime safety in busy waterways like the East River. Safety concerns and maintenance oversight are now under the spotlight as the maritime community reflects on how such a high-profile incident could occur.
Watch the Full Collision Video
For those who want to see the exact moment the ship hits the Brooklyn Bridge, the full video is available here:
