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Why did a Mexican navy ship crash into the Brooklyn Bridge?

The site of Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc's collision with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the United States, May 17, 2025.
The site of Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc's collision with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the United States, May 17, 2025. Picture: Alamy

By Alice Padgett

Two people have been killed and at least 19 injured after a Mexican Navy ship collided with New York City's Brooklyn Bridge - but why did it happen?

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The Cuauhtémoc was a Mexican Navy training sailing ship.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed two people died and 19 were injured, with two in critical condition.

Police said the vessel, with 277 people on board, lost power on Saturday as the captain was attempting to manoeuvre the ship.

The Cuauhtémoc was then forced to head for the bridge abutment on the Brooklyn Bridge.

The tall masts clipped the bridge as it passed under at around 8:39pm on Saturday.

The ship, which had been docked as part of a goodwill tour, struck the underside of the bridge while departing, injuring dozens.
The ship, which had been docked as part of a goodwill tour, struck the underside of the bridge while departing, injuring dozens. Picture: Getty

Why did it happen?

Police said they believe the boat had a "mechanical malfunction" and a power cut.

The Cuauhtémoc was at Pier 17 in Manhattan, just down the river below the Brooklyn Bridge.

The ship was also moving in the wrong direction when it slammed into the bridge, senior city official told CNN.

“It was the current that took it under the bridge,” the official told the broadcaster.

“It wasn’t supposed to be headed in that direction.”

Cuauhtémoc’s captain said he lost steering of the vessel after the rudder stopped working.

Police said the vessel's mast height was 48.2m (158ft), while the New York transport department said the Brooklyn Bridge has a 135ft clearance at its centre.

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Emergency personnel respond after the Mexican Navy's tall ship Cuauhtemoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
Emergency personnel respond after the Mexican Navy's tall ship Cuauhtemoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. Picture: Getty

Some crew members were standing on the masts as they snapped and fell onto the deck of the ship, authorities said.

Brooklyn resident Nick Corso witnessed the crash. He told AFP there was "lots of screaming, some sailors hanging from the masts."

Rescue operations were launched as crew members evacuated and emergency boats arrived on scene.
Rescue operations were launched as crew members evacuated and emergency boats arrived on scene. Picture: Getty

The Cuauhtémoc left the Mexican port of Acapulco on 6 April, the navy said.

It was en-route to Iceland, with a planned detour to Aberdeen, Scotland to compete in the Tall Ships race this July.

Brooklyn Bridge did not suffer any major damage and has been reopened.

The New York Coast Guard said the Cuauhtémoc lost all three masts

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said she was deeply saddened by the loss of two crew members in the accident.

More than 100 firefighters and emergency medical service personnel responded to the crash.

The vessel was towed away after the incident.

Cuauhtémoc measures 297 feet long (91m) and 40 feet wide (12m), according to the Mexican Navy.

It first set sail in 1982 - launched each year at the end by the naval military school to finish cadets' training.