Tall ship flying Mexican flag strikes Brooklyn Bridge, injuring several people

Two individuals lost their lives and over a dozen others sustained injuries following a collision between a historic Mexican naval training ship and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on Saturday night, according to Mayor Eric Adams.
A Coast Guard spokesperson reported that twenty-one individuals were injured and were transported to a hospital after being taken to shore by small boat. Adams initially stated that 19 people were hurt, with two in critical condition, and sadly, two more individuals had succumbed to their injuries.
Divers were examining the waters at the scene as a precaution, as stated by three police sources familiar with the incident.
Adams explained during a press conference that the tall ship, carrying 277 passengers, experienced a mechanical issue that led it to collide with the bridge while departing from Pier 17 on its way to the sea.
The ship’s pilot lost control, causing the collision with the bridge, Adams mentioned, noting that two crew members were injured while on a mast.
The collision occurred around 8:20 p.m., according to Chief Wilson Aramboles of the New York Police Department’s Special Operations Division.
Inspectors were promptly sent to assess the bridge’s condition, and initial evaluations indicated no significant damage, stated New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
Commercial traffic in the vicinity was halted, and a safety zone was established by the Coast Guard from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Manhattan Bridge.
Officials confirmed that no one fell into the water, and the ship was en route to Iceland.
Witnesses reported a festive atmosphere on the ship before the collision, with music playing and people enjoying themselves.
The Mexican ambassador to the U.S. identified the ship as ARM Cuauhtémoc, a historic Mexican Navy training vessel.
The ship was hosted at the city’s Seaport Museum on Pier 17, with public viewing scheduled during its visit.
The incident is under investigation by the NYPD, and the National Transportation Safety Board is also expected to probe the collision cause.
Authorities advised the public to avoid the bridge area and surrounding streets.