On May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy’s training ship Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, resulting in the deaths of two cadets and injuring at least 22 others. The vessel, carrying 277 people, lost power while departing for Iceland, causing it to drift into the bridge. The ship’s three masts, each approximately 157 feet tall, struck the bridge, which has a clearance of about 134.5 feet, leading to their collapse.
The deceased cadets were identified as América Yamilet Sánchez, 20, from Veracruz, and Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, 23, from Oaxaca. Both were on the masts during the collision. Despite the severity of the crash, no one fell into the East River, and the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major structural damage.
The Cuauhtémoc was on an international goodwill tour, marking the completion of cadet training, with planned visits to 22 ports in 15 countries. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Mexican Navy are investigating the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting mechanical failure as the cause.