On the evening of May 17, 2025, at 8:00 PM EEST, New York City was shaken by a tragic incident that claimed the lives of young cadets and left the city in shock. The Mexican training sailing ship *Cuauhtémoc*, part of the Mexican Navy, collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in the deaths of two cadets and injuries to 19 others. This catastrophe marks one of the most severe accidents involving a training vessel in recent years.
According to local reports, the incident occurred when the *Cuauhtémoc* lost control and, drifting backward, struck the superstructure of the Brooklyn Bridge with the upper parts of its masts. The ship’s three masts, each standing at 48 meters tall, collapsed during the collision, with cadets positioned at a height of about 40 meters facing grave danger.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams shared on X: “The sailing ship *Cuauhtémoc* of the Mexican Navy lost propulsion and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. Of the 277 people on board, 19 were injured, two of them are in critical condition, and sadly, two others succumbed to their injuries.” These words underscore the scale of the tragedy that unfolded before hundreds of onlookers.
Videos circulating on social media captured chilling moments: one cadet was seen desperately clinging to a rope on the middle mast before falling after a few seconds. Another cadet appeared to be hanging from the wreckage of the front mast, amplifying the sense of helplessness felt by those witnessing the event. Eyewitnesses speaking to the *New York Post* recounted that the force of the impact was so intense that several people were thrown overboard.
The Cuauhtémoc, built in 1982, is a symbol of the Mexican Navy. Often used for training young sailors and representing Mexico at international events, this journey to New York turned into a tragedy. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest the ship lost maneuverability, leading to the collision. Experts have launched an inquiry to determine whether the incident was due to technical failures, human error, or external conditions.
This tragedy is not only a loss for the Mexican Navy but also a stark reminder of the dangers faced by young cadets training at sea. The Brooklyn Bridge, an iconic New York landmark, has witnessed many events over its history, but a disaster of this magnitude is unprecedented. Residents and visitors alike have expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased, while New York authorities have pledged to provide full support to those affected.