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4h ago

NTSB Seeks Access to Investigate Deadly Mexican Navy Ship Collision

Two cadets died and dozens were injured after the Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge; investigators focus on mechanical failures and tugboat protocols.

The Cuauhtemoc, a masted Mexican Navy training ship, is docked in Manhattan after it collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
A disabled Mexican Navy tall ship floats between the Brooklyn and the Manhattan bridges on the East River on May 17, 2025 in New York City. The ship reportedly struck the Brooklyn Bridge as it was traveling north.
The Mexican Navy training vessel Cuauhtemoc is seen with broken masts while docked at a pier, after striking the Brooklyn Bridge overnight in New York City, U.S., May 18, 2025. REUTERS/Bjorn Kils/New York Media Boat
The broken masts of the Cuauhtemoc, a masted Mexican Navy training ship, is seen after it collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Overview

  • The Cuauhtémoc, a Mexican Navy training vessel, struck the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, killing two cadets and injuring 27 others among the 277 aboard.
  • The ship lost power shortly after departing Pier 17 and accelerated in reverse before its masts collided with the bridge, breaking all three.
  • The NTSB is focusing its investigation on potential engine malfunctions and the tugboat's role in guiding the vessel, with access to the ship still under negotiation with the Mexican government.
  • Distress calls were made only 45 seconds before the collision, and videos show the ship moving swiftly backward while the tugboat failed to regain control.
  • The Cuauhtémoc, part of a bicentennial goodwill tour, remains docked in New York as salvage preparations begin, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days.