A Mexican Navy training ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025, after losing power and control shortly after departure. The 300-crew vessel _Cuauhtémoc_ struck the bridge just after leaving Manhattan’s Pier 17 with tugboat assistance, snapping all three masts and leaving sailors dangling midair. Two crew members died, and 22 were injured, including 11 critically. Federal investigators confirmed weather conditions were mild, with winds at 10 knots and minimal current.

The ship’s stern accelerated to six knots before the crash, but the was a sudden loss of propulsion and steering control. Mexican Navy officials initially cited “technical failures,” while NYC Mayor Eric Adams explicitly blamed a “power loss”. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has not yet determined whether human error, mechanical issues, or external factors caused the malfunction.

This incident follows the 2024 Dali cargo ship crash that destroyed Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, raising questions about shipping safety near critical infrastructure. Critics argue these accidents expose vulnerabilities in maritime protocols and bridge protections. While no evidence of sabotage exists in either case, concerns about foreign interference or cyberattacks persist among some commentators.

The NTSB faces delays because Mexico has not granted full access to the ship or crew. Investigators are reviewing communication records, engine data, and the role of the tugboat operator. Preliminary findings could take months.

The Brooklyn Bridge itself sustained no structural damage, and traffic resumed immediately. Meanwhile, the incident highlights tensions over foreign military vessels in U.S. waters during “goodwill tours” and calls for stricter oversight of aging infrastructure.