Mexican Navy Tall Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Prompting Search and Rescue Operations
A search and rescue operation was initiated on Saturday night after a dramatic incident involving a 147-foot mast from a Mexican navy tall ship that collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
While the ship, with a crew of 277, was en route during the collision, the exact number of individuals on board at the time remains uncertain.
Footage captured at the scene reveals the chaos that unfolded, with bystanders fleeing and crying out as the ship neared the waterfront. Crew members were visibly distressed, signaling for help from nearby vessels.
Surprisingly, the ship appeared to be moving in reverse in a desperate attempt to clear the bridge.
WATCH:
Another perspective of the incident shows the crash from the side of the ship, with onlookers expressing disbelief and shouting “Oh no!” at the moment of impact.
In context:
The tall ship arrived in Manhattan on Tuesday, likely as part of preparations for a grand Fourth of July celebration planned for next year — marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s adoption.
According to a report by the New York Post, “The vessel, constructed in Spain in 1982 for the purpose of training cadets, is set to join a fleet of 30 Class A International Tall Ships in a celebratory parade through the Harbor on July 4, 2026 — this spectacular event will also feature numerous smaller vessels, a dramatic military flyover, and a fireworks display to cap off the evening.”
Per the New York Post:
A massive Mexican navy tall ship making a festive visit to New York struck the Brooklyn Bridge late Saturday night, resulting in the collapse of one of its towering masts onto the bridge deck. The scene, described as horrifying, left multiple crew members with serious injuries, according to fire officials and various sources.
The search and rescue mission was launched to retrieve individuals from the water following the collision involving the Cuauhtémoc, which occurred just before 9 p.m. Victims were subsequently transported to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, with those in critical condition being rushed to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
