U.S. Calls Cuauhtémoc Ship Crash a Serious Marine Casualty

New York, NY — The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a preliminary report on the May incident involving the Mexican Navy training vessel Cuauhtémoc, which collided with the Brooklyn Bridge. The report does not speculate on the cause of the accident but provides a detailed chronology of events.

What Happened?

Date: May 17, 2025
Incident: The Mexican Navy sailing vessel struck the pedestrian level of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Location: East River, New York, during departure maneuvers from Pier 17 in Manhattan.
Casualties and Damage:

• Two cadets killed: América Yamileth Sánchez, 20, and Adal Jair Maldonado, 23.
• Nineteen others injured.
• Damage to the ship and bridge (structural integrity not compromised).
• Classified as a “serious marine casualty” under U.S. law.
• Onboard: 277 crew members and cadets.

Participants in the Maneuver:

• Two local pilots (harbor and docking).
• Tugboat Charles D. McAllister.
• Crew of the Cuauhtémoc.

Timeline of Events

1. 8:11 PM
   • Docking pilot assesses favorable conditions due to low tide.
2. 8:20 PM
   • Cuauhtémoc begins reversing from Pier 17 at 2.5 knots.
3. 8:22 PM
   • Pilot orders the ship to stop and proceed at minimum speed.
   • Tugboat Charles D. McAllister repositions to starboard.
4. 8:23 PM
   • Stern begins turning toward the Brooklyn Bridge.
   • Tugboat stops pushing and moves toward the stern.
   • Speed increases from 3.3 to 5.1 knots.
   • Request made for additional tugboat support.
5. 8:24 PM
   • Ship collides with the Brooklyn Bridge.
   • Result: Two fatalities and material damage.
   • Ship sustained over $500,000 in damages, per the preliminary report.
   • The top sections of all three masts (mizzen, main, and foremast) broke or bent after passing under the bridge.
   • The rudder post was deformed, and the rudder was positioned “perpendicular to the ship, toward the port side.”

Criticism and Social Media Reaction

A Twitter post by Salvador Macías criticized the ship’s captain for keeping cadets on the masts despite the danger as the vessel lost control. The post included an image of the ship filled with cadets on the masts.

NTSB Investigation Focus

• Ship propulsion and control systems.
• Crew and pilot training and experience.
• Operational procedures during departure maneuvers.
• Hydrological conditions (currents and tides).
• Coordination between pilots and tugboats.
• Alcohol and drug tests: All key crew members tested negative.

Mexican Navy’s Position

• The harbor pilot was in control of the maneuver.
• The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) is cooperating with U.S. authorities, deploying engineering teams and legal advisors.
• The ship was moved to Caddell Dry Dock in Staten Island for repairs.
• No charges have been filed.
• SEMAR reaffirmed its commitment to a technical resolution of the accident.