Authorities reveal cause of ship smashing into Brooklyn Bridge leaving 2 dead
ArchiveFirst published May 18, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
A Mexican Navy training ship, Cuauhtémoc, crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, killing two and injuring 19 of the 277 people onboard. Authorities now say a mechanical failure caused the vessel to lose power, forcing it to reverse under the bridge, where its tall masts struck the structure.
“The masts were too tall to clear the bridge,” explained NYPD Chief Wilson Aramboles. Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the ship “lost power and crashed,” adding that the bridge remains undamaged and is now open.
Witnesses described the terrifying moment. “It just kept coming closer,” said Flavia Moreira. “People were swinging back and forth on top of the boat.” The two victims reportedly fell from the masts during the collision.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed deep sorrow over the loss and confirmed support for the injured and their families. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating the incident.
Mayor Adams praised first responders, saying their swift action “ensured this accident wasn’t much worse.”
