Power Failure Blamed for Deadly Collision That Shocked NYC
New York City, May 17, 2025 — In a tragic turn of events, a Mexican Navy training ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge on Friday night, leaving two dead and over 20 injured, after the vessel reportedly lost power just moments before the impact.
🛑 What Happened?
Around 8:30 PM, the tall ship Cuauhtémoc was departing New York Harbor to begin a goodwill tour headed toward Iceland. As it passed under the Brooklyn Bridge, the ship suddenly lost power, causing its 147-foot-tall masts to strike the lower roadbed of the iconic 142-year-old bridge.
Officials from the New York Police Department (NYPD) said the power failure was “sudden and complete,” leaving the vessel unable to change course or reduce speed in time.
🧭 About the Ship
The Cuauhtémoc is a nearly 300-foot-long training ship operated by the Mexican Navy. On board were 277 individuals, including cadets, crew members, and naval personnel. The ship had been docked in New York since May 13 as part of a scheduled 254-day international tour across 22 ports in 15 countries.
It is a well-known vessel, often used in ceremonial roles and to represent Mexico at international events.
⚠️ The Aftermath: Casualties and Chaos
❗ Deaths and Injuries
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2 people died in the accident
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23 others were injured, including 4 critically
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Several were rushed to nearby hospitals by emergency crews
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as masts snapped, rigging collapsed, and sailors clung desperately to ropes and equipment. Some were thrown to the deck or into the water due to the force of the impact.
🧯 Emergency Response
Within minutes, units from the NYPD Harbor Patrol and the FDNY (Fire Department of New York) responded. Boats were deployed to rescue those thrown overboard and tend to the injured.
Firefighters helped evacuate the ship, and NYPD personnel coordinated rescue operations and crowd control along the waterfront.
🏗 What About the Bridge?
Surprisingly, the Brooklyn Bridge did not suffer major structural damage. Engineers performed an overnight inspection and confirmed that the bridge was still safe, though it remained closed for several hours as a precaution.
The historic bridge, which opened in 1883, is a vital link between Manhattan and Brooklyn — both symbolically and logistically — and its safety was a major concern for city officials and commuters.
🔍 Investigations Underway
Multiple investigations have now been launched:
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the U.S. side of the probe
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The Mexican Navy has also opened an internal review
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Marine engineers will study the ship’s systems to determine what caused the sudden failure
Authorities are focusing on mechanical failure or power system faults as the most likely cause of the crash.
🗓 What’s Next for the Cuauhtémoc?
The ship's scheduled departure to Iceland — the first stop on a 254-day tour — has been postponed indefinitely. Officials will now assess:
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The damage to the ship’s masts and rigging
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The condition of the crew
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Whether the ship is still seaworthy in the short term
This incident has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a celebratory global voyage highlighting international cooperation.
🌉 A City in Shock
For New Yorkers, the crash was not just another accident — it was a jarring event that disrupted one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and involved a foreign navy vessel in tragic circumstances. The emotional impact, particularly for those who witnessed the crash up close, is expected to linger.
🏁 Final Word
The Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtémoc’s collision with the Brooklyn Bridge is a reminder of how fast things can go wrong — even in carefully planned missions. As investigations continue and families mourn, the focus will shift toward finding accountability and ensuring nothing like this happens again.
The people of New York, and the international naval community, will now watch closely to see how both countries respond to this rare and devastating maritime accident.
