Viral video shows horrifying moment massive Mexican Navy training ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A heartwarming farewell sail turned into a nightmare Saturday, May 17, as iconic Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtemoc slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge.

The incident left two sailors dead and 17 others injured, including four in critical condition, fire officials and sources confirmed. 

The 277-person crew — mostly cadets — had just departed New York on their way to Iceland when things took an ugly turn. According to Mayor Eric Adams, the ship “apparently lost power” while sailing out of the harbor around 8.30 pm. Without control, the current dragged the vessel straight into the Brooklyn Bridge’s road deck.

Footage from the gut-wrenching moment shows the Cuauhtemoc’s 147-foot masts crashing into the bridge’s underbelly, which has a max clearance of just 135 feet. Tragically, two sailors were on top of the masts when they hit the bridge, Adams confirmed. 

Witnesses and officials said some crew members could be seen dangling from the masts as they snapped and tumbled down.

Elijah West, who happened to be watching the departure from Brooklyn Bridge Park, recounted the horror. “The boat was coming under the bridge, and there were sailors on top of the boat, the sails hit the bridge and then people were falling off of the boat sails," he told the New York Post.

“It was crazy. We were standing under the bridge, and we all started running. Then I saw people hanging from the sails. Police boats came around fast — about five minutes later. And then police guided the boat to the (Manhattan) bridge and started the rescue. It was a shock," West added.

Onlookers couldn't believe what they saw

The tragedy unfolded in front of stunned onlookers. Harrowing video showed the ship’s tallest mast slamming into the bridge deck, then plunging dozens of feet below. One by one, the rest of the masts followed. Terrified spectators at the park sprinted away as the ship drifted close to the green space.

The damaged vessel remains stalled in the water, with emergency crews still working the scene. According to sources, it’s expected to be moved to Pier 36. First responders scoured the surrounding waters but reported that no one fell in.

Victims were transported to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for initial care, while those in critical condition were rushed to nearby hospitals.

Among those who watched in horror was Ismari Romero, 43, who had gathered at Pier 17 with her sister and fellow Mexicans to give the ship a celebratory send-off.

“We were celebrating and we were saying goodbye and singing,” she said. “We were all joyful, and they departed. And when they reached the Brooklyn Bridge, I believe they hit the bridge and the top collapsed. We were very scared. A lot of people were screaming, a lot of people were crying. They’re like, ‘How is this happening? How is this possible?’”

From pride to disaster

Built in Spain in 1982, the Cuauhtemoc is a floating classroom for the Mexican Navy. The New York stop was part of a global eight-month voyage, where cadets train while visiting destinations like Jamaica, Iceland, and Portugal.

The ship’s visit to the Big Apple was also part of the promotional tour for the Sail4th event, which will mark America’s 250th birthday with a parade of tall ships on July 4, 2026. The Cuauhtemoc is expected to be one of 30 elite Class A ships featured in the harbor that day.

This year’s class is the biggest in the Navy’s history—175 cadets strong.

“The classes are getting bigger and bigger. We just keep getting more and more people!” said Lt Sg Hugo Calvario, the ship’s onboard orthopedic surgeon. “We had to leave almost 40% of the crew to take on more cadets,” he explained, which meant the young trainees had to step up and shoulder extra duties.

Earlier in the week, the cadets had been seen performing “manning the yards,” fearlessly climbing the rigging and stretching across the ship’s towering masts, a show of respect traditionally done before a ship enters a port.

Mexican Navy responds as investigation begins

The Mexican Navy released a statement in the wake of the disaster.

“During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtemoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being," it said. 

“The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support. The Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy," they added.

Fire officials also warned drivers to expect traffic delays and road closures near New Dock Street and Water Street in Brooklyn. However, the bridge, which reportedly suffered only minor damage, has since reopened to the public, as per the outlet.