Two people have been killed and 19 injured after a sailing ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on New York City’s East River.
The Cuauhtémoc, a three-masted Mexican Navy ship, was carrying around 277 people when the collision occurred just before 9 p.m. on Saturday.
All three of the ship’s 147-foot-tall masts struck the bridge and snapped as the vessel appeared to be moving backward.
Videos and photos circulated online showed multiple sailors clinging to rigging high on the masts.
Bystanders on the Brooklyn waterfront caught the incident on video. The ship appeared to strike some type of scaffolding or gantry on the underside of the bridge, which can then be seen swinging. Debris could be seen falling toward the deck of the ship, including portions of the masts, lights and rigging. The sails were not up at the time.
At a press conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed 19 people were injured, five critically. Contrary to earlier reports, though, no one fell into the water.
Key points
- Two confirmed dead in ship collision
- Ship collides with Brooklyn Bridge — what we know so far
- Initial cause of collision revealed by NYC police
- Watch: Moment of impact as filmed from Brooklyn's waterfront
- Daylight shows damage to Cuauhtémoc ship
Daylight shows damage to Cuauhtémoc ship
15:39 , Ariana BaioParked at a port in downtown Manhattan, the damage sustained by the Cuauhtémoc can be seen clearly in morning light.
Witnesses describe how tragedy unfolded in front of them
12:35 , Sam RkainaSydney Neidell and Lily Katz told The Associated Press they were sitting outside to watch the sunset when they saw the vessel strike the bridge. Looking closer, they saw someone dangling high on the ship.
"We saw someone dangling, and I couldn't tell if it was just blurry or my eyes, and we were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness from the top for like at least like 15 minutes before they were able to rescue them," Ms Katz said.
Just before the collision, Nick Corso, 23, took his phone out to capture the backdrop of the ship and the bridge against a sunset, Instead, he heard what sounded like the loud snapping of a "big twig". Several more snaps followed.
People in his vicinity began running back, and "pandemonium" on the boat erupted, he said. He later saw a handful of people dangling from the mast.
"I didn't know what to think, I was like, is this a movie?" he said.
All three masts snapped on impact with underside of bridge
10:00 , Shweta SharmaAll three masts of the Mexican navy ship snapped following a collision with the Brooklyn Bridge.
At least two people were killed and 19 people were injured when a three-masted Mexican Navy sailing ship, the Cuauhtémoc, struck the Brooklyn Bridge on New York’s East River.
At a press conference, New York Mayor Eric Adams said that, contrary to earlier reports, no one had gone into the East River and all the injuries were sustained on board the tall ship.
The collision occurred just before 9 p.m., with all three of the ship’s 147-feet-tall masts striking the bridge and snapping as the vessel appeared to be moving backward.
Pictures emerged online, appearing to show multiple sailors clinging to rigging high up on the masts in the aftermath.
Mexican navy ship crashes into New York's Brooklyn Bridge
09:30 , Shweta SharmaThe Cuauhtémoc docked to nearby pier after hitting bridge, official says
08:45 , Shweta SharmaThe Mexican Navy training vessel Cuauhtémoc, which struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, has been relocated to Pier 36 in New York to allow passengers to safely disembark, a law enforcement official said.
Approximately 250 people remained aboard the ship after its masts hit the bridge during its departure from Pier 17.
The vessel had been en route to the open sea, bound for Iceland, as part of an international goodwill tour.
Pictures show Mexican navy ship colliding with Brooklyn Bridge
08:30 , Shweta Sharma
NYC police say power loss caused the collision
07:46 , Shweta SharmaNew York Police Department Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles said initial reports suggest "mechanical issues" and a power cut had caused the collision.
He said the ship had lost power due to a mechanical problem, though officials cautioned that the information was preliminary.
He added that the ship had just left a Manhattan pier and was supposed to have been headed out to sea, not toward the bridge.
NYC fire department reveals details of rescue operation
07:32 , Shweta SharmaThe New York City Fire Department (FDNY) chief said they received a call at approximately 8.20p.m. on Saturday, reporting that a training ship carrying 277 people had collided with the Brooklyn Bridge.
The incident prompted a large-scale emergency response from the FDNY, New York Police Department, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), said Michael Meyers, the FDNY's chief of training.
“Originally, we had a Brooklyn box out for folks in the water, for a boat in distress,” said Mr Meyers. “Once the marine units arrived on scene, we knew immediately that we had a serious incident involving a boat striking the bridge.”
Initial reports had suggested that people were in the water. Mr Meyers said responders quickly established dual command posts on both the Brooklyn and Manhattan sides of the bridge to coordinate the rescue effort.
FDNY marine units transported Rescue 2 and Rescue 4 teams to the vessel, where they began evacuating and treating passengers. A total of 27 people were removed from the ship for medical treatment.
“The police, fire, and EMS did a tremendous job of working together to get everyone off that ship safely,” Mr Meyers said.
At approximately 8:20 Saturday night, the FDNY received a call that a boat struck the Brooklyn Bridge. There were 277 people on the boat. 27 people were removed for treatment.
— FDNY (@FDNY) May 18, 2025
“Originally, we had a Brooklyn box out for folks in the water, for a boat in distress. Once the… pic.twitter.com/0m7sTl7jTY
Two people killed and 17 injured after Mexican training ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge
07:30 , Shweta SharmaTwo people have died after a three-masted Mexican Navy sailing ship, the Cuauhtémoc, reportedly carrying around 200 people, crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on New York’s East River.
New York Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the two deaths hours after a news conference at which he said 19 people had been injured in the incident. He said all those hurt had suffered injuries on the ship and that no one had gone into the river, as had been previously reported.
The collision occurred just before 9 p.m., with all three of the ship’s 147-feet-tall masts striking the bridge and snapping as the vessel appeared to be moving backwards.
Read our full report.
Mexican training ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge killing two
Mexican president says 'deeply saddened' by the loss of two crew members
07:05 , Shweta SharmaMexican president Claudia Sheinbaum said she regretted the loss of two crew members in the collision in New York.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members of the Cuauhtémoc Training Ship, who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in New York Harbor. Our sympathy and support go out to their families,” Ms Sheinbaum said on X.
“Navy, with the support of local authorities, is currently treating the wounded. The Mexican ambassador to the United States and staff from the Mexican Consulate General in New York are supporting the Navy.
“I thank New York Mayor Eric Adams for all the support he has provided to our fellow citizens. We are monitoring the situation, and the Navy will continue to provide updates.”
What was the Mexican Navy ship doing in New York?
06:50 , Shweta SharmaThe Mexican Navy ship, carrying 277 people on board, collided with the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge, smashing its mast.
The Cuauhtémoc, a training vessel of the Mexican Navy, was on a goodwill tour and sailed into New York Harbour on Tuesday.
Dozens of naval cadets were seen standing on the masts, while others, dressed in traditional Mexican attire, waited nearby. The vessel is used to train seamen, captains, and officers at Mexico’s Heroic Naval Military School, according to a news release from one of its cruises.
Each year, the Cuauhtémoc sets sail at the end of the academic term to complete cadets' training.
The Cuauhtémoc is a steel-hulled, three-masted barque launched in 1982, measuring approximately 300 feet in length.
In a statement, the Mexican Navy said the ship had departed from Acapulco on 6 April for a 254-day mission aimed at “exalting the seafaring spirit, strengthening naval education, and carrying the Mexican people’s message of peace and goodwill to the seas and ports of the world".
It arrived in New York City on 13 May, where visitors were welcomed for several days, according to the Mexican consulate.
The ship was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations over 254 days, 170 of them at sea.
The planned itinerary included stops in New York, Kingston (Jamaica), Havana, Reykjavik, Aberdeen, Avilés, Bridgetown, and London.
However, the tour came to a sudden halt in New York following the collision, with authorities launching an investigation into the incident.
Mexican Navy vessel in New York on goodwill visit
06:40 , Oliver O'ConnellThe Cuauhtémoc, a training vessel in the Mexican Navy, sailed into New York Harbor on Tuesday as part of a goodwill visit to the U.S., with dozens of naval cadets seen standing on the masts as others dressed in cultural Mexican attire awaited nearby.
A large Mexican flag was flying at the stern of the vessel when the collision occurred.
Built in Bilbao, Spain, in 1982, the ARM Cuauhtémoc is considered an ambassador vessel for her country, along with three sister ships. The tall ship is believed to have traveled 400,000 nautical miles and has visited 228 ports across 73 countries over 43 years.
On its current voyage, the ship left Acapulco on April 6, and was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations, including Kingston, Jamaica; Havana, Cuba; Cozumel, Mexico; and New York.
It had also planned to go to Reykjavik, Iceland; Bordeaux, Saint Malo, and Dunkirk, France; and Aberdeen, Scotland, among others, for a total of 254 days — 170 at sea and 84 in port.
Brooklyn Bridge sustains no damage, NYC mayor says
06:33 , Shweta SharmaMayor Eric Adam said Brooklyn Bridge, a 142-year-old bridge, was spared major damage and was opened to the public after preliminary inspection.
The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600ft (490m) main span supported by two masonry towers.
According to the city's transportation department, more than 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross the walkway every day. It is a major tourist attraction.
Traffic was halted after the collision but was allowed to resume after an inspection, city officials said.
Eyewitnesses describe chaos during their trip to watch sunset: 'Saw people dangling from the mast'
06:17 , Shweta SharmaEyewitnesses said they were watching the sunset when they saw a ship strike a bridge. Moments later, they noticed a person hanging from high on the vessel.
“We saw someone dangling, and I couldn't tell if it was just blurry or my eyes,” Lily Katz said.
“We were able to zoom in on our phone and there was someone dangling from the harness at the top for at least 15 minutes before they were rescued.”
Just before the collision, Nick Corso, 23, took his phone out to capture the backdrop of the ship and the bridge against a sunset, Instead, he heard what sounded like the loud snapping of a "big twig." Several more snaps followed.
People in his vicinity began running back and "pandemonium" on the boat erupted, he said.
He later saw a handful of people dangling from the mast."I didn't know what to think, I was like, is this a movie?" he said.
In a scene captured in multiple eyewitness videos, the hip, called the Cuauhtemoc, could be seen traveling swiftly toward the bridge near the Brooklyn side of the East River.
Then, its three masts struck the bridge's main span and snapped, one by one, as the ship kept moving.
In pictures: Vessel sits stranded in East Rive in aftermath of collision
06:12 , Oliver O'Connell
Two injured in ship collision die from injuries
05:55 , Oliver O'ConnellNew York Mayor Eric Adams has announced that two of those injured in Saturday night’s collision between a Mexican Navy ship and the Brooklyn Bridge have died from their injuries.
Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge.
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) May 18, 2025
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
Recap: Everything we know so far about the ship crash at the Brooklyn Bridge
05:40 , Oliver O'ConnellHere’s what we know so far after this evening’s collision injured dozens.
Mexican training ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge leaving 19 people injured
In pictures: New York mayor inspects crashed vessel
05:20 , Oliver O'Connell
Watch: Moment ship strikes Brooklyn Bridge
05:01 , Oliver O'ConnellX user @orenjinoir was standing on the waterfront in Brooklyn when the collision occurred and caught the moment on video.
------Brooklyn Bridge 😰😰😰 pic.twitter.com/PJJdgBv4Iw
— orenji🎃noir (@orenjinoir) May 18, 2025
All three masts snapped on impact with underside of bridge
04:40 , Oliver O'ConnellAt least 19 people were injured, four of them seriously, when a three-masted Mexican Navy sailing ship, the Cuauhtémoc, reportedly carrying around 200 people, struck the Brooklyn Bridge on New York’s East River.
At a press conference, New York Mayor Eric Adams said that, contrary to earlier reports, no one had gone into the East River and all the injuries were sustained on board the tall ship.
The collision occurred just before 9 p.m., with all three of the ship’s 147-feet-tall masts striking the bridge and snapping as the vessel appeared to be moving backward.
Pictures emerged online, appearing to show multiple sailors clinging to rigging high up on the masts in the aftermath.
Brooklyn Bridge reopens after brief closure
04:20 , Oliver O'ConnellUpdate: Following a prior closure, the Brooklyn Bridge has reopened. Expect residual delays. Multilingual & ASL Link: https://t.co/HuA8o4rqF7. https://t.co/cbUZ3CX9kN
— NYCEM - Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) May 18, 2025
New York governor briefed on incident
04:15 , Oliver O'ConnellNew York Governor Kathy Hochul has been briefed on the incident and has offered assistance to the city if needed.
I have been briefed on tonight’s incident at the Brooklyn Bridge.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 18, 2025
We have offered assistance to New York City’s emergency teams, and continue to closely monitor the situation.
Grateful to our first responders for their quick action. https://t.co/VF9blSa0uN
Watch: City officials hold press conference
04:06 , Oliver O'ConnellNo damage to the Brooklyn Bridge after the collision.
The injured have been taken to local area hospitals.
Watch as @NYCMayor , @NYPDPC , and City Officials hold a press conference for the collission investigation at the Brooklyn Bridge. https://t.co/5e5Eh3o7kI
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 18, 2025
Mexican Navy vessel in New York on goodwill visit
04:03 , Oliver O'ConnellThe Cuauhtémoc, a training vessel in the Mexican Navy, sailed into New York Harbor on Tuesday as part of a goodwill visit to the U.S., with dozens of naval cadets seen standing on the masts as others dressed in cultural Mexican attire awaited nearby.
A large Mexican flag was flying at the stern of the vessel when the collision occurred.
Built in Bilbao, Spain, in 1982, the ARM Cuauhtémoc is considered an ambassador vessel for her country, along with three sister ships. The tall ship is believed to have traveled 400,000 nautical miles and has visited 228 ports across 73 countries over 43 years.
On its current voyage, the ship left Acapulco on April 6, and was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations, including Kingston, Jamaica; Havana, Cuba; Cozumel, Mexico; and New York.
It had also planned to go to Reykjavik, Iceland; Bordeaux, Saint Malo, and Dunkirk, France; and Aberdeen, Scotland, among others, for a total of 254 days — 170 at sea and 84 in port.
In pictures: Vessel sits stranded in East Rive in aftermath of collision
03:56 , Oliver O'ConnellWhat we know so far after three-masted ship collides with New York's Brooklyn Bridge
03:50 , Oliver O'ConnellHere’s what we know so far after this evening’s collision injured dozens.
Tall ship crashes into New York’s Brooklyn Bridge with search and rescue underway
The ship appeared to strike some type of scaffolding or gantry on the underside of the world-famous bridge, which can be seen swinging in the aftermath.
Video shows debris falling toward the deck of the ship, including portions of the masts, lights, and rigging. The sails were not up at the time.
The collision occurred just before 9 p.m., with all three of the ship’s 147-feet-tall masts striking the bridge and snapping. The vessel appeared to be moving backward at the time, with some reports saying it was departing South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan.
Watch: Moment ship strikes Brooklyn Bridge
03:41 , Oliver O'ConnellX user @orenjinoir was standing on the waterfront in Brooklyn when the collision occurred and caught the moment on video.
------Brooklyn Bridge 😰😰😰 pic.twitter.com/PJJdgBv4Iw
— orenji🎃noir (@orenjinoir) May 18, 2025
New York City’s Emergency Management Department swung into action, launching a search and rescue operation to pull people out of the water who may have fallen in.
Footage of the collision shot by bystanders showed sailors had been standing high up on the masts of the ship, all three of which snapped, leaving some of them clinging to rigging.
Ship collides with Brooklyn Bridge
03:38 , Oliver O'ConnellA three-masted Mexican Navy sailing ship, the Cuauhtémoc, reportedly carrying around 200 people, has struck the Brooklyn Bridge on New York’s East River.
