The Mexican sail training ship "Cuauhtémoc" has left New York after extensive repairs and is on its way home. In a collision with the Brooklyn Bridge in May 2025, two crew members lost their lives and the ship's masts were severely damaged.
The Mexican sail training ship "Cuauhtémoc" has left the harbour in New York after months of repair work and is on its way back to Mexico. The ship had been on 17 May 2025 collides with the Brooklyn BridgeTwo crew members lost their lives and 19 others were injured. The masts of the tall ship were severely damaged in the accident, causing damage of more than half a million dollars. The "Cuauhtémoc" was stationed at the Navy Shipyard in New York during the repair work and has now been able to return to the harbour. after successful sea trials start their journey home.
Extensive repairs
Before leaving New York, the "Cuauhtémoc" underwent a thorough repair phase on Staten Island. The ship then completed a 72-hour sea trial, during which all systems essential for navigation and safety were tested. According to the Mexican Navy, the tests included the steering systems in both normal and emergency mode, the performance of the auxiliary propulsion at various speeds and the reliability of the external communication systems. Inspectors also checked the strength of the repaired masts and rigging to ensure the ship's seaworthiness.
The accident occurred on 17 May 2025 at around 20:20 when the "Cuauhtémoc" was departing from South Street Seaport in New York. The 90-metre-long three-masted ship was on its way to Iceland with 277 people on board when it reasons that have not yet been fully clarified crashed backwards into the Brooklyn Bridge. According to the preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the accident began at around 8.16 pm when the ship was casting off from Pier 17 in Manhattan. In addition to the crew, a sea pilot and a harbour pilot were also on board.
When the "Cuauhtémoc" hit the bridge, it was travelling backwards at 5.9 knots (about 11 km/h). The upper sections of all three masts collided with the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge one after the other. The mizzen mast struck first, followed by the main mast and finally the foremast. After the collision, the ship continued to drift backwards under the bridge. The stern crashed into a quay wall on the Brooklyn side of the East River. At around 20:27, the ship finally came to a standstill on the quay wall east of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Victims and damage
Two young crew members were killed in the accident. Among the fatalities was 20-year-old América Yamilet Sánchez from Xalapa in the Mexican state of Veracruz, who was studying engineering at the Mexican Naval Academy. The second fatality was identified as Adal Jair Marcos, a 22-year-old cadet from Puebla who was in his third year of training at the Naval Academy.
Upon examination of the vessel, investigators found various damages, including scraped paint on the port side and a bent rudder. According to a preliminary assessment by the New York City Department of Transportation, no serious structural damage was found on the Brooklyn Bridge. There was only damage to a maintenance platform and minor scratches in the paint of a bridge span. The damage to the ship is estimated at over 500,000 dollars.
According to initial findings by the NTSB, the probable cause of the accident was engine damage. Apparently, the 1250 hp engine of the sail training vessel failed due to a loss of power. At the time of the accident, conditions in New York harbour were challenging. The tide had just come in and a strong current was pushing up the East River, while at the same time a wind of around ten knots was blowing. Both factors could have pushed the ship towards the Brooklyn Bridge. The investigation into all aspects of the accident is still ongoing. A final report determining the cause of the accident could take more than a year.
Future of the ship
According to official information, the "Cuauhtémoc" will continue its voyages as an "ambassador and knight of the seas" and represent Mexico's maritime tradition and goodwill worldwide. Built in Spain in 1982, the ship is used to train officers and cadets of the Mexican Navy. With a regular crew of 165 sailors, it trains up to 90 cadets.
The barque regularly undertakes long training voyages and takes part in international maritime events. The "Cuauhtémoc" was a popular guest at international sailing events and had already been confirmed for Sail 2025 in Bremerhaven, but was unable to attend.
