Mexican Navy Ship Tragedy: Fatal Collision with Brooklyn Bridge

On May 19, 2025, the Mexican Navy’s ARM Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in tragic fatalities and injuries among its crew.

In a heart-wrenching event, the Mexican Navy's sailing ship ARM Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge late Saturday night, claiming two lives, including a naval cadet and a sailor. The vessel was undertaking a good-will tour around the globe, carrying 277 individuals, including 175 cadets. The accident occurred as the ship drifted uncontrollably into the bridge’s structure, resulting in the destruction of its masts and rigging. Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media depicted the chaotic aftermath of the incident, which left at least 22 individuals injured.

Among those who perished were 20-year-old cadet América Yamileth Sánchez Hernández and 23-year-old sailor Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos. Heartfelt stories from family members bring to light the personal impact of this tragedy, with Sánchez Hernández's uncle expressing the family's devastation after receiving news of her death. Before the accident, she had shared joyful moments from Central Park just a day earlier.

As investigations launch into the cause of the collision, authorities, including the Mexican Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and National Transportation Safety Board, are scrutinizing possible factors such as mechanical failure, human error, and the circumstances surrounding the lack of tugboat assistance during the maneuvers. Commentators have speculated that the ship's propulsion system may have been malfunctioning, leading to its tragic trajectory toward the iconic bridge. The situation raises critical questions about safety protocols for naval training expeditions, especially those involving inexperienced cadets at sea.