Has the Brooklyn Bridge been damaged in the Mexican Navy ship crash?

On Saturday night, a Mexican Navy sailing vessel adorned with lights and a large national flag collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, shearing off the tops of its towering masts. The incident tragically resulted in the deaths of two people and left 17 others injured.

The training ship Cuauhtémoc was approaching the Manhattan side of the bridge over the East River when the crash occurred. Online videos captured the moment as the vessel, named after the last Aztec emperor, attempted to pass beneath the bridge. With masts standing at 147 feet (45 meters), the ship failed to clear the bridge’s arch and struck its underside, causing the masts to collapse.



According to the Mexican Navy, 22 people on board were injured, with 19 receiving treatment at local hospitals. Three of those were reported to be in serious condition. Fortunately, no one fell into the water, and no rescue operations were necessary.

Was the Bridge Damaged?

Despite the dramatic impact, officials confirmed that the Brooklyn Bridge sustained no major damage. Traffic was temporarily halted but has since resumed in both directions following a preliminary inspection by New York City transportation authorities.

Footage from near the South Street Seaport — at the base of the bridge — showed bystanders fleeing as the massive ship hit the structure and veered toward the dock.

Constructed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge remains a vital thoroughfare and one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks. At the time of its completion, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s foreign ministry announced that its ambassador to the U.S., along with other officials, was assisting the injured naval cadets and coordinating with local authorities. The Cuauhtémoc, built in 1981 at the Celaya Shipyards in Bilbao, Spain, had been docked in New York for a public visit co-hosted by the South Street Seaport Museum. Its next destination was Iceland.