RT.com
18 May 2025

The ARM Cuauhtemoc sail vessel was visiting New York in preparation for the 250th anniversary of America's independence in 2026

A sail training vessel of the Mexican Navy collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York on Saturday evening.

Video from the scene shows the ARM Cuauhtemoc's three tall masts, decorated with lights, toppling after they struck the underside of the bridge's road deck.

The New York Post cited fire officials and its own sources as saying that multiple members of the ship's 277-person crew had been injured. The newspaper also reported that rescuers were pulling people from the water.

New York Mayor Eric Adams later told reporters that at least 19 people were injured, including four in critical condition.

"The status of the personnel and material is under review by naval and local authorities, who are providing support," the Mexican Navy said on X.

According to the Latin Times, the barque's crew likely misjudged the height of its 171-foot masts in relation to the bridge's 127-foot clearance at high tide.

Fabien Levy, a spokesman for the mayor, said there appeared to be "no signs of structural damage" to the bridge.

The vessel was on a goodwill visit in preparation for an international parade of sailing ships in New York Harbor marking the 250th anniversary of America's independence next year.