The Mexican Navy training ship ARM Cuauhtémoc hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, killing two people and leaving 22 injured. The accident happened at around 8:30 p.m. when the vessel was navigating its way through the East River in a routine maneuver.

The Cuauhtémoc, a 297-foot ship that had 277 people aboard, including crew members and cadets, hit the bottom of the bridge and snapped its three masts. Eyewitnesses described sailors hanging in harnesses and others crashing on to the deck. Emergency responders moved quickly, taking the wounded to nearby hospitals. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed two of the wounded died from injuries.

Initial investigations indicate that the ship could have suffered a mechanical failure, resulting in loss of power and then crash into the bridge. Although serious, the Brooklyn Bridge was not structurally damaged and was reopened to traffic after only a temporary shutdown.

The Cuauhtémoc, built in 1982, is a goodwill ambassador for Mexico, engaging in international training missions. The vessel had just come into New York from Acapulco and was to continue its world tour. Upon the accident, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sent condolences to the loved ones of the victims and offered support to the victims.

Mexican and American authorities are performing a comprehensive investigation to establish the real cause of the accident. The Mexican Navy provided its fullest cooperation and openness during the investigation process.

This is a major maritime accident of a foreign naval ship within U.S. waters. It serves to highlight proper navigation procedures within congested waterways.