NTSB Probes Deadly Mexican Navy Ship Crash Into Brooklyn Bridge

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the fatal crash of the Mexican Navy’s training vessel Cuauhtémoc into the Brooklyn Bridge, which resulted in the deaths of two naval cadets and injuries to several.

The 300-foot sailing ship struck the underside of the historic 142-year-old bridge at approximately 8:24 pm on Saturday, May 17, after departing from Pier 17 at Manhattan’s South Street Seaport.

The vessel was reversing with tug assistance when its speed unexpectedly increased from 2.3 to 6 knots, ultimately leading to the collision.

According to NTSB investigator Brian Young, the ship was supposed to head south down the East River toward anchorage to refuel. However, it accelerated astern against its intended direction and crashed into the bridge within five minutes of departure.

Officials said the bridge did not sustain major structural damage.

At the time of the incident, westerly winds were blowing at 10 knots, accompanied by a weak flood current of 0.3 knots moving upriver. Less than a minute before the incident, a radio call went out requesting help from nearby tugboats.

Investigators are still determining who made the call. The Cuauhtémoc suffered major damage to all three of its masts, with some cadets reportedly aloft when the crash occurred.

Several were seen dangling from harnesses as the masts snapped and partially collapsed. Two cadets, identified by Mexican authorities as America Yamilet Sanchez and Adal Jair Marcos, were fatally injured.

Two others remain hospitalised in stable condition in New York.

The ship had been docked in New York since May 13 as part of a global goodwill tour that began in Acapulco and was scheduled to continue to Reykjavík, the largest city in Iceland.

A total of 277 people were aboard at the time of the accident. After the incident, 179 personnel, including 172 cadets, returned to Veracruz, Mexico, on Monday.

NEW: NTSB says the Mexican Navy ship that ran into the Brooklyn Bridge sped up right before the crash, say they are investigating why that took place.

Investigator-in-charge Brian Young released new information on the tragedy.

Just moments before the ship ran into the bridge,… pic.twitter.com/d9fEqY6Up0

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 19, 2025

The US Coast Guard and NYPD established a safety zone around the vessel, now docked at Pier 36. The ship will be moved to the Brooklyn Navy Yard once safety inspections and salvage plans are finalised. The operation aims to minimise disruptions to ferry services.

The NTSB has not yet been granted access to the vessel or its onboard records and has not interviewed the ship’s captain, harbour pilot, or tugboat operators.

Investigators plan to examine the ship’s propulsion system, tugboat procedures, survival factors, and mechanical records.

McAllister Towing, operator of the assisting tug Charles D. McAllister, confirmed its cooperation with authorities and said its crew notified officials and provided support immediately after the allision.

A preliminary NTSB report is expected within 30 days, but the full investigation could take up to two years. Officials stated that no conclusions will be drawn until all facts are collected and reviewed.

References: nbcchicago, financialexpress

Source: Maritime Shipping News