19 hurt as tall ship flying Mexican flag strikes Brooklyn Bridge, mayor says
Share and Follow

A historic tall ship flying the Mexican flag struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City Saturday night, injuring 19 people, four seriously, New York City Mayor Eric ams said.

Others were being checked out, and divers were probing waters at the scene as a precaution, according to three police sources with knowledge of the incident.

ams said at a news conference Saturday night that the ship with 277 people on board suffered a mechanical mishap that caused it to veer into the bridge as it had set sail from Pier 17 en route to sea.

“The pilot lost power of the ship,” he said, adding that two crew members were on a mast and were injured in the collision.

Inspectors were immediately dispatched to assess the condition of the bridge, the police sources said. New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said the head of bridge division was at the scene, with a preliminary assessment concluding there were no signs of major damage.

ams said the bridge was open.

No one fell into the water, officials said at the news conference. The ship was ultimately headed to Iceland, Chief Wilson Aramboles of the New York Police Department’s Special Operations Division said.

Video from the scene showed a mast from the ship striking the bridge, with people on the mast hanging on.

Witnesses interviewed by NBC New York said the boat, which at least one said was no stranger to the East River and local waters, appeared to have a party-like atmosphere with music.

The vessel was identified by a Mexican diplomat at the news conference as ARM Cuauhtémoc, a historic Mexican Navy training vessel.

Though it’s listed as a sailing ambassador for Mexico for next year’s Sail4th 250 celebrations, a spokesperson for the event said in a statement Saturday night that the “Mexican Tall Ship Cuauhtémoc is not one of the ships committed thus far to participate in next year’s Sail4th 250 event.”

The spokesperson continued, “Chris O’Brien, President of Sail4th 250, is deeply saddened by what he’s learning about this evening’s collision and is following the news with the injured sailors in his prayers.”

The New York City-area events will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, with what is being billed as the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world.

The UK nonprofit Sail Training International describes the vessel a being built in Bilbao, Spain, in 1981 and originally called “Celaya.”

“She was later acquired by the Mexican Navy as a training vessel for officers, cadets, petty officers and sailors,” according to the group. “Cuauhtemoc sailed the world for thirteen years and in 1995 underwent a major refit of the ship and rigging.”

The New York Police Department said it was investigating the incident. It asked people to stay away from the area of the bridge and nearby streets.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Smiling fugitive recaptured and returned to Kentucky after dramatic airport escape

Smiling fugitive recaptured and returned to Kentucky after dramatic airport escape

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A fugitive who escaped…
Speaker Johnson says he's open to Russia sanctions bill

Speaker Johnson is willing to consider a bill for imposing sanctions on Russia

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Wednesday left the door open to holding…
Chicago police chase winds through downtown, ends with 2 in custody in Austin amid armed robbery investigation in Cicero, IL

Police Chase in Chicago Ends with Two Arrests in Austin During Investigation of Armed Robbery in Cicero, IL

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team Friday, July 11, 2025 10:37PM A police chase…
Trump's tax cuts: Who will it benefit?

Trump proposes the idea of the federal government taking control of New York City.

() President Donald Trump has hinted at a federal takeover of New…
Leeds man facing child sexual abuse material charges

A man from Leeds accused of possessing child sexual abuse material

LEEDS, Ala. (WIAT) — A Leeds man is facing child sexual abuse…
‘Peacemaker’ Trump can end Africa’s biggest war, former White House advisor says

‘Peacemaker’ Trump can end Africa’s biggest war, former White House advisor says

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Fresh from the success…
Arizona resident dies of pneumonic plague

Tragic News: Arizona Resident Passes Away from Pneumonic Plague

() A resident in northern Arizona has died from the pneumonic plague,…
Trump rally shooting survivors turn attack into motivation year later: ‘go out there and live life’

Trump rally shooting survivors turn attack into motivation year later: ‘go out there and live life’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! PITTSBURGH – A year…