2 Dead, 17 Injured After Boat Hits Brooklyn Bridge

NEW YORK — Two crew members were killed and at least 17 people were injured when a Mexican Navy tall sailing ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, authorities said.

During a press conference late Saturday, New York Mayor Eric Adams said all the injuries occurred on the ship. Those injured were taken to Bellevue Hospital.

"Earlier tonight, the Mexican Navy tall ship Cuauhtémoc lost power and crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge," the mayor said in a social media post shortly after midnight. "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 vessel’s main mast has a height of 160 feet, according to the Mexican government.

"Following our preliminary inspection, we can confirm that the bridge sustained no damage and is now open to the public," Adams said in the social media post.

Videos shared on social media show the masts collapsing after hitting the bridge. Onlookers can be heard gasping as they watch the crash before the boat continues under the bridge.

Cuauhtémoc, a sail training tall ship of the Mexican Navy, arrived in New York this past week and has been docked at Pier 17. Free tours were being offered of the boat, with the final tour running from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

"We are praying for everyone on board and their families and are grateful to our first responders who quickly jumped into action, ensuring this accident wasn’t much worse," Adams said on social media.

In a post on X, the Mexican Navy confirmed the ship had been damaged after a "mishap" with the Brooklyn Bridge.

"The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support," the post said in Spanish. "The Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy."

The navy said a total of 22 people were injured, 19 of whom needed medical treatment.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum regretted the loss of the two crew members.

“Our solidarity and support go out to their families,” Sheinbaum said on X.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.