Mexican navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc collides with Brooklyn Bridge. The maritime community mourns the loss

The international tall ship community is in mourning following a tragic accident involving the iconic Mexican sail training vessel ARM Cuauhtémoc, which struck the Brooklyn Bridge on the evening of May 17, 2025. The three-masted barque, renowned for its presence at global maritime events, lost power while departing Pier 17 in New York City and drifted uncontrollably into the lower structure of the bridge.

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18 may 2025   |   14:24   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Kamil Kusier / Gazeta Morska

The impact caused the deaths of two cadets, who fell from the rigging during the collision, and left at least 19 crew members injured—four of them critically. The ship was carrying 277 people at the time, including 64 women, as part of an eight-month training voyage covering 22 ports in 15 countries.

Preliminary investigations suggest an electrical failure rendered the vessel temporarily unsteerable during departure maneuvers. Emergency response teams quickly assisted the injured, and the damaged vessel was later secured at Pier 16. It is expected to be moved to Pier 36 for further inspection and repair assessment.

ARM Cuauhtémoc, launched in 1982 at the Celaya shipyard in Bilbao, Spain, is a sister ship to Colombia’s Gloria and Ecuador’s Guayas. She serves as a floating ambassador of the Mexican Navy, and her name honors the last Aztec emperor, Cuauhtémoc—“Descending Eagle” in the Nahuatl language. With a length of over 90 meters and a distinctive white hull and full rig, she is one of the most recognizable tall ships afloat.

European audiences, including many in Poland and across the Baltic, know the Cuauhtémoc well. She has participated in numerous editions of The Tall Ships Races, calling at Gdynia, Gdańsk, and Szczecin, where she was consistently among the most visited and admired vessels. Her crew, smartly turned out in ceremonial white uniforms, and her impeccable appearance left lasting impressions on thousands of visitors during these celebrations of sail.

Statements of condolence have been issued by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. A full investigation is underway to determine the root cause of the mechanical failure and assess the structural damage to the vessel.

The Brooklyn Bridge itself sustained only minor damage and has since reopened to traffic. However, for the international tall ship and maritime training community, this incident marks a deep loss. Cuauhtémoc has long embodied the spirit of seamanship, cultural diplomacy, and maritime tradition — values that transcend borders and resonate deeply within the industry.

Her absence from the active fleet, however temporary, will be profoundly felt.

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