NTSB launches 'go-team' of specialized investigators after Brooklyn Bridge struck by Mexican navy ship
Share and Follow

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced Sunday it was launching a “go-team” to the Brooklyn Bridge after a Mexican navy sailing ship crashed into the New York City landmark, killing at least two people aboard. 

The U.S. government agency tasked with investigating major transportation accidents did not initially offer more information about the “go-team” deploying to Saturday’s bridge strike but said updates would soon follow. 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, whose last update on the crash came around midnight, said the Mexican navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc “lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge.” 

“At this time, of the 277 on board, 19 sustained injuries, 2 of which remain in critical condition, and 2 more have sadly passed away from their injuries,” the mayor wrote on X at 12:18 a.m. 

Sailors could be seen aloft in the rigging on the damaged masts but, remarkably, no one fell into the water, officials said.

The Cuauhtémoc – about 297 feet long and 40 feet wide, according to the Mexican navy – sailed for the first time in 1982. The vessel’s main mast has a height of 160 feet, according to the Mexican government. Each year, the Cuauhtémoc sets out at the end of classes at the naval military school to finish cadets’ training. This year, it left the Mexican port of Acapulco on the Pacific coast on April 6, according to the Mexican navy. 

It arrived in New York City on May 13, when visitors were welcome for several days, the Mexican consulate said. The ship was scheduled to visit 22 ports in 15 nations over 254 days, 170 of them at sea.

Mexican Navy ship moored

The Mexican navy sailing ship that crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge sits moored in Lower Manhattan on May 18, 2025, in New York City.  (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

It was unclear what caused the ship to veer off course. New York Police Department Special Operations Chief Wilson Aramboles said the ship had just left a Manhattan pier and was supposed to have been headed out to sea, not toward the bridge.

He said an initial report was that the pilot of the ship had lost power due to a mechanical problem, though officials cautioned that information was preliminary. Videos show a tugboat that was close to the Cuauhtémoc at the time of the crash.

The Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883, has a nearly 1,600-foot main span supported by two masonry towers. More than 100,000 vehicles and an estimated 32,000 pedestrians cross every day, according to the city’s transportation department. Its walkway is a major tourist attraction.

Traffic was halted after the collision but was allowed to resume after an inspection, city officials said.

As midnight approached, the broken boat was moved slowly up the East River, going under and past the Manhattan Bridge, aided by a series of tugboats, before docking at a pier.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
JSO searching for suspect in shooting that left 1 injured

Police in Jacksonville are looking for a suspect in a shooting incident that resulted in one person being wounded.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says this happened just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday…
Road rage incident leaves girl, 5, shot in leg -- and the bullet in her sippy cup

Violent confrontation on the road results in a 5-year-old girl getting shot in the leg, with the bullet ending up in her drinking cup.

A 5-year-old girl was shot through the leg — with the bullet…
DA Alvin Bragg put criminals first — I'll end era of excuses

Alvin Bragg prioritizes criminals – I will put an end to making excuses

Last month, a Manhattan courthouse turned into a crime scene when a…
Amount you need for a 'minimum quality of life' in America revealed

Revealed: the required amount for a basic standard of living in the United States

A family-of-four needs to earn over $100,000 a year just to maintain…
Why Greenland is more important to the US than ever

The Growing Significance of Greenland for the United States

On June 14th, United Airlines made Donald Trump’s 79th birthday memorable by…
Tropical Storm Chantal forecast to bring heavy rain to the Carolinas

Expect heavy rain in the Carolinas as Tropical Storm Chantal approaches

MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Chantal formed off the southeast U.S. coast…
NYC voters torn over Zohran Mamdani's big plans to hike taxes on wealthy, corporations: poll

Poll shows New York City voters split on Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to increase taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations

The Democratic candidate for mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has proposed raising taxes on…
CCSO clears hundreds of teens from Orange Park Mall after 'disturbances'

CCSO removes numerous teenagers from Orange Park Mall following ‘disruptions’.

A spokesperson for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said there were no…