Mexican naval ship carrying over 200 collides with Brooklyn Bridge, 22 injured and rescue ongoing: What we know

A Mexican Navy tall ship crashed into New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, injuring 22 people as it struck the bridge’s structure during a routine training manoeuvre. Of those injured, three were reported to be in serious condition, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Despite the dramatic collision, the iconic bridge, completed in 1883 and connecting Manhattan with Brooklyn, suffered no major structural damage.

Masts snap as ship collides with bridge

The vessel, Cuauhtémoc, was gliding in reverse beneath the bridge when its three towering masts struck the span and snapped, sending splinters and rigging tumbling into the East River. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment the ship passed under the bridge, its lights glowing across the rigging as the topmost parts collided violently with the bridge overhead.

Many onlookers were caught off guard. A spring evening by the water quickly turned into chaos. Sailors dressed in white were seen dangling from the ship's crossbeams just before impact. Nearby, at the base of the bridge near South Street Seaport, crowds scattered as the ship drew closer.

The Cuauhtémoc was on a formal training exercise, with roughly 200 people on board at the time of the incident, according to multiple US media outlets.

Witnesses saw people fall into the river

The New York Post reported that some witnesses claimed sailors were in the rigging as the ship crashed into the bridge. “People were plummeting into the water,” one witness told the publication. While the exact circumstances of the injuries remain unclear, a spokesperson for the New York City Police Department confirmed they were still investigating: “The New York City Police Department did not immediately know exactly how the people were injured.”

Navy responds to public concern

In a statement released on X, the Mexican Navy acknowledged that the ship was damaged in the collision. It said the incident occurred during a scheduled training drill and that local authorities were currently assessing the condition of those on board.

"The Cuauhtémoc had been on a training manoeuvre at the time and was damaged in the 'mishap,'" the Navy posted. It added, “The Ministry of the Navy reaffirms its commitment to the safety of its personnel, transparency in its operations and excellence in the training of future officers of the Mexican Navy.”

The Cuauhtémoc is a barque-class tall ship built in 1982. With a mast height of 48.2 metres (158 feet), it has long served as a flagship for naval training missions, representing Mexico in ports around the world. Its towering rig and traditional sail layout have made it a notable presence during ceremonial visits and naval exchanges.

The Brooklyn Bridge itself is one of New York’s most recognisable structures. A key artery between Manhattan and Brooklyn, the suspension bridge attracts thousands of pedestrians and commuters daily and remains a major tourist attraction.

No long-term disruptions were reported following the incident, but both U.S. and Mexican authorities are expected to carry out formal reviews. The extent of damage to the vessel remains under assessment as of Sunday.