2 dead, 19 injured after Mexican navy ship carrying 277 people hits Brooklyn Bridge in New York City

Two people have died and 19 others were injured after Mexican navy training ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, United States (U.S.) on May 17 (U.S. time).

Two among those affected remain in critical condition, reported ABC News on May 18.

According to The New York Times (NYT), local authorities confirmed that the vessel carrying 277 people struck the bridge's underside at around 8.30pm.

Ship lost power, ship masts collapsed

New York City mayor Eric Adams confirmed in a May 18 post on X that the two people who died had passed away due to their injuries.

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

CBS News reported that the ship was navigating the East River when the incident occurred.

CBS News reported that the ship was navigating the East River when the incident occurred.

Officials said that the Cuauhtémoc experienced a mechanical failure that led to a loss of power, causing the vessel to drift into the bridge's structure.

At the time of the collision, several crew members were on the ship's masts when it struck the underside of the bridge, leading to the masts' collapse.

The ship was carrying mostly naval cadets as as part of an international training cruise.

Emergency responders, including the New York Police Department (NYPD) and New York City Fire Department (FDNY), arrived at the scene to assist the injured and assess the situation.

All individuals on board were accounted for, and no one fell into the water during the incident.

All lanes in both directions on the Brooklyn Bridge were also temporarily closed.

Brooklyn Bridge sustained minor damage, power failure investigation underway

According to NYT, the 297-foot-long tall ship built in 1982 had departed from Pier 17 on the East River and was en route to Iceland.

Preliminary inspections by the New York City Department of Transportation indicated that the Brooklyn Bridge sustained minor damage and has since been reopened to traffic.

The Mexican Navy has acknowledged the incident, stating that the training cruise has been temporarily halted pending further assessment.

An investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure is underway.

Top photos via @theinformant_x/X