A promotional naval tour turned tragic over the weekend when Mexico’s naval training ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, killing two cadets and critically injuring 11 others. The incident sent shockwaves across Mexico and the international maritime community, as the historic vessel’s masts were snapped during the collision, halting a celebratory world voyage.
The accident occurred as the Cuauhtémoc, a majestic 297-foot-long sailing ship carrying 277 people, lost power while navigating the East River amid strong tides and a steady 10 mph wind. Eyewitnesses watched in horror as the vessel’s towering masts struck the underside of the bridge, splintering on impact and crashing down onto the deck.
Videos posted online captured the dramatic moment of impact, with sailors in ceremonial uniforms visibly clinging to yardarms moments before disaster struck. Witnesses described seeing a sailor dangling from a harness for nearly 15 minutes before being rescued. Two people were carried off the ship on stretchers and transferred to smaller boats for urgent medical care.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico confirmed the fatalities early Sunday in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing deep sorrow over the loss of two young cadets: Adal Jair Marcos, 22, of Puebla (originally from Oaxaca), and América Yamilet Sánchez of Xalapa, Veracruz. Both were reportedly on the same mast at the time of the crash.
“Our solidarity and support go out to their families,” Sheinbaum wrote. “The ministry of the navy, with support from local authorities, is currently attending to the wounded.”
A government bulletin later reported 22 total injuries, 11 of which were classified as critical. Nine others were listed in stable condition. The Navy vowed to investigate the accident thoroughly, pledging support and transparency to the affected families.
The Cuauhtémoc, commissioned in 1982 and operated by the Mexican Navy, has long symbolized Mexican naval pride and diplomacy. Each year, the vessel embarks on international tours to complete the training of naval cadets, representing Mexico in ports around the globe. Its current voyage was a 254-day mission commemorating the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain, with stops scheduled in 15 countries, including the UK and several Caribbean nations.
The ship departed from Acapulco on April 6 with 64 women and 213 men on board. Its voyage has now been suspended indefinitely.
Despite the terrifying collision, no injuries were reported on the bridge itself. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed in a Facebook post that the bridge sustained no structural damage. The Brooklyn Bridge, a symbol of American engineering since 1883, accommodates over 100,000 vehicles and 32,000 pedestrians daily.
By Sunday morning, the full extent of the damage to the Cuauhtémoc was visible. Photos showed the vessel docked with two masts completely shattered and a third precariously tilted. Uniformed Mexican naval personnel were seen boarding the ship, likely beginning damage assessment and recovery operations.
For many, the tragedy is a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in naval service. In its statement, the Mexican Navy emphasized its commitment to safeguarding personnel and supporting affected families: “The navy, aware of the risks naval personnel face in their operations, deeply regrets what happened and reaffirms its commitment to the crew’s families.”
The world tour meant to spread a message of peace and goodwill has instead become a solemn tale of loss, courage, and mourning at sea.
