New York, NY – A Mexican Navy training vessel, the tall sailboat Cuauhtémoc, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, resulting in at least two fatalities and numerous injuries, according to city officials. The incident prompted a large emergency response and the temporary closure of the iconic New York City landmark.

• Tragic Collision: A Mexican Navy training ship, the Cuauhtémoc, crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday evening, resulting in at least two deaths and 19 injuries.
• Power Loss Suspected: Preliminary reports suggest mechanical issues and a loss of power may have caused the vessel to strike the iconic structure.
• Emergency Response: Authorities responded swiftly, closing the bridge temporarily. An investigation is underway into the cause of the collision, which appears to have caused no major damage to the bridge itself.

According to Mayor Eric Adams, the Cuauhtémoc, carrying 277 people, reportedly experienced a loss of power prior to the collision. Footage circulating on social media shows the ship’s towering masts striking the underside of the bridge as it attempted to pass beneath. Parts of the masts reportedly broke off and fell onto the deck.

Casualties and Injuries Reported

Tragically, Mayor Adams confirmed that two individuals on board the vessel died from their injuries. Additionally, at least 19 others sustained injuries, with two reported to be in critical condition. Law enforcement officials told CNN that the two fatalities occurred after the individuals fell from one of the ship’s masts. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The Mexican Navy initially reported a higher number of injured, stating that 22 people were hurt. Authorities have confirmed that all 277 people on board have been accounted for and no one fell into the water.

Emergency Response and Investigation Underway

The New York Police Department (NYPD) and the New York Fire Department (FDNY) immediately responded to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations and provide aid. The NYPD Harbor Unit was also involved in the response. Authorities urged the public to avoid the areas around the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport in Manhattan, and Dumbo in Brooklyn due to heavy traffic and the presence of numerous emergency vehicles.

Preliminary information from the NYPD Chief of Operations suggests that “mechanical issues” and a power outage may have contributed to the ship losing control and colliding with one of the bridge’s pillars. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is reportedly launching an investigation into the cause of the incident.

While the bridge was temporarily closed, Mayor Adams stated that initial inspections indicated no major structural damage. The Cuauhtémoc has since been towed to Pier 36 in New York.

The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot long training vessel launched in 1982, had departed from Acapulco, Mexico, on April 6th as part of a training cruise for naval cadets. Its intended final destination was reportedly Iceland. The ship was in New York City as part of a promotion for an upcoming event celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.