A 147-foot Mexican Navy tall ship carrying 277 crew members encountered a catastrophic mechanical failure while navigating New York's East River during a routine refueling stop.

According to the New York Post, the training vessel Cuauhtemoc lost its steering capability due to mechanical malfunction before powerful currents swept it into the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday night, resulting in two deaths and at least 17 injuries.

The 43-year-old vessel was heading to the Brooklyn waterfront to refuel before continuing its journey to Iceland when the incident occurred.

Despite having sufficient diesel fuel, the ship's steering system failed, leaving it vulnerable to the strong East River currents that ultimately drove it into the historic bridge structure.

Mexican Navy's Prestigious Training Vessel Meets Tragic End

Local maritime experts were assisting the vessel's navigation when the accident occurred. A harbor pilot familiar with East River conditions and a docking pilot who specializes in regional berth navigation were involved in guiding the ship. Sources confirmed at least one of these professionals was aboard during the collision.

The impact proved devastating for crew members stationed in the rigging. Two sailors lost their lives when the masts crumbled upon striking the bridge. Additional injuries occurred as debris rained down on the deck, creating chaos and panic among the predominantly trainee crew.

América Yamilet Sánchez, a 20-year-old Mexican navy cadet, has been identified as one of the victims. The tragic scene left other crew members desperately clinging to the rigging, fighting for survival in the aftermath of the collision.

Maritime Safety Experts Analyze Emergency Response Options

Retired U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Henry Lipian provided insight into the limited options available to the crew during such emergencies. According to Lipian, dropping anchor might have helped but wouldn't guarantee stopping the vessel.

He explained:

You lose your engine for whatever reason, you're at the mercy of the elements. If you can't get the anchor down fast enough, it's the worst possible scenario. Think about those elements. You have the wind. The wind is going to push the vessel to some extent. You're going to have the current. And the tides in the same direction as the current and whatever direction [the vessel] was traveling at before you lose power — you still have the momentum of the direction the vessel was traveling in.

The incident has deeply unsettled many in the maritime community, especially considering Mexico's generally strong reputation in naval circles. Retired U.S. Navy Captain Alfred McLaren said he was stunned, noting that he had never heard any prior criticism of the Mexican Navy. He called the situation shocking and deeply troubling.

Parallels with Recent Baltimore Bridge Disaster

The Brooklyn Bridge collision bears striking similarities to the March 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. Both incidents involved vessels losing control due to mechanical failures, though key differences exist. Unlike the Baltimore incident, where the ship went completely dark, the Cuauhtemoc maintained power and lighting throughout the crash.

The Mexican vessel had recently participated in local maritime events. Just last week, the ship had successfully navigated past the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and docked at Pier 17 in the South Street Seaport. The vessel was also expected to participate in America's 250th anniversary celebration, featuring an international parade of ships planned for July 4, 2026.

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the incident. Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that injured crew members were transported to Bellevue Hospital for treatment.

Complete Investigation Details Await

A mechanical malfunction caused the Mexican Navy's training vessel Cuauhtemoc to lose steering control and crash into the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in two crew member deaths and 17 injuries. The 277-person crew, mostly comprised of navy cadets, was en route to refuel before heading to Iceland when the steering system failed.

The incident remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, which will determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure and assess the emergency response procedures implemented during the crisis. The tragedy has raised questions about maritime safety protocols and emergency preparedness in New York's busy waterways.