ARM Cuauhtemoc, the Mexican Navy, and the Brooklyn Bridge
Closer to the Edge reports:
“The ARM Cuauhtémoc, a Mexican Navy training vessel carrying 277 passengers, lost power around 8:20 p.m. while navigating the East River. The result? A loud, splintering crunch as the ship’s mast collided with the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge, raining debris onto the deck and leaving at least 22 people injured.
According to the New York Police Department, the vessel lost electrical power mid-maneuver, leaving the captain with few options but to drift straight into disaster. Video from the scene shows the mast striking the bridge and breaking apart as sailors scramble below — a horrifying moment made worse by reports that some crew members were still on the mast during impact.
Mayor Eric Adams initially confirmed 19 injuries, including four classified as serious. The Mexican Navy later updated the number to 22 total, with 19 receiving treatment at New York hospitals. Both governments are now conducting investigations, or as officials put it: “reviewing the material and personnel situation,” which is naval code for “we have no clue what the hell happened.”
The Brooklyn Bridge, miraculously, is just fine. Emergency crews inspected the structure and reopened it to traffic by 10:30 p.m. — though NYPD urged residents to steer clear of the area due to lingering emergency activity, scattered debris, and an overwhelming vibe of WTF just happened.
The Cuauhtémoc is no stranger to New York Harbor. The ship regularly stops here on goodwill tours and diplomatic training cruises. But this may be the first time it showed up uninvited and on a collision course.
The vessel will now require significant repairs — including a new mast, a full electrical overhaul, and probably a very large apology bouquet for the city of New York.”
“The ARM Cuauhtémoc, a Mexican Navy training vessel carrying 277 passengers, lost power around 8:20 p.m. while navigating the East River. The result? A loud, splintering crunch as the ship’s mast collided with the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge, raining debris onto the deck and leaving at least 22 people injured.
According to the New York Police Department, the vessel lost electrical power mid-maneuver, leaving the captain with few options but to drift straight into disaster. Video from the scene shows the mast striking the bridge and breaking apart as sailors scramble below — a horrifying moment made worse by reports that some crew members were still on the mast during impact.
Mayor Eric Adams initially confirmed 19 injuries, including four classified as serious. The Mexican Navy later updated the number to 22 total, with 19 receiving treatment at New York hospitals. Both governments are now conducting investigations, or as officials put it: “reviewing the material and personnel situation,” which is naval code for “we have no clue what the hell happened.”
The Brooklyn Bridge, miraculously, is just fine. Emergency crews inspected the structure and reopened it to traffic by 10:30 p.m. — though NYPD urged residents to steer clear of the area due to lingering emergency activity, scattered debris, and an overwhelming vibe of WTF just happened.
The Cuauhtémoc is no stranger to New York Harbor. The ship regularly stops here on goodwill tours and diplomatic training cruises. But this may be the first time it showed up uninvited and on a collision course.
The vessel will now require significant repairs — including a new mast, a full electrical overhaul, and probably a very large apology bouquet for the city of New York.”
