A tall ship sailing on the East River struck the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday evening, leaving at least four people critically injured, police sources confirmed.
According to sources familiar with the incident, one of the masts of the Mexican naval vessel known as the Cuauhtémoc crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge at around 9 p.m. on May 17 while sailing along the East River. At least four people are said to be in critical condition.
Sources familiar with the incident said 277 passengers were aboard the ship at the time of the crash. According to Mayor Eric Adams, at least 19 people on board were injured, including the four listed in critical condition.
“As it came up to the bridge, it hit the bridge, around the walkway side, and just collapsed. All the lights went off, and it seemed like people went into the water,” said Jack Cassidy, an eyewitness. “We were hoping that the sailors had enough time to unharness themselves, because in the photos and videos, you can see that they’re harnessed to the mast, and then, unfortunately, it seems they weren’t able to and they were thrown into the water. And then the boat seemed to list far away from the tugboat.”
Officials later determined that that no one had fallen into the water as a result of the crash.
The ship was in town as part of promoting sail operations related to the American sesquicentennial celebrations next year, marking the United States’ 250th birthday, according to the New York Post.
Cassidy observed that he and the other onlookers knew trouble was ahead when they noticed the tall ship approaching the bridge. It became apparent that the masts were so high that they would not clear the bridge deck, which stands about 127 feet above the water.
“We were all concerned. We didn’t think it was real. We thought this can’t be happening in New York, of all places,” he said. “There were no cracks, no bangs, just a very low hum, and then the lights all went out.”
The NYPD and FDNY launched a full-scale rescue and recovery operation, bringing the injured off on stretchers at Pier 16. A large crowd gathered there cheered the first responders and victims as they emerged on the pier.
Mayor Adams, who had conducted a subway event Saturday night, told reporters that he had been scheduled to visit the Cuauhtémoc later on this coming week.
“I will take a ride over there now and told the team to give me a helicopter and a boat so we could go look at what happened. It appears as though one of the masts hits the structure, and I’m gonna get a briefing right now,” Adams said. He is expected to provide further details about the incident later.
The historic Brooklyn Bridge, meanwhile, was closed to traffic in both directions while inspections took place. The span was reopened at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday night, though drivers can expect delays in both directions.
With reporting by Barbara Russo-Lennon
This is a breaking news story, check back with amNewYork for updates.
Massive sail ship just hit the Brooklyn Bridge trying to go under it 😳
— WuTangIsForTheChildren (@wutangforchildren.bsky.social) May 17, 2025 at 9:26 PM
