Cuauhtemoc ship: All about the Mexican navy vessel that collided with Brooklyn Bridge

Cuauhtémoc, a Mexican Navy academy training ship, struck Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, leaving at least 19 injured. All about the Cuauhtémoc ship.

Cuauhtémoc, a Mexican Navy academy training ship, collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan on Saturday. Videos captured the vessel, flying a massive green, white, and red Mexican flag, scraping beneath the bridge. At least 19 people have reportedly been injured, and a search and rescue operation is currently underway.

A Mexican navy ship sits in the water after it hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in New York. (AP)

“The Secretary of the Navy renews its commitment to the safety of personnel, transparency in its operations and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Armada,” Mexican navy said in Spanish.

At a news conference, NYPD Chief Wilson Aramboles said the ship lost power while the captain was maneuvering, causing it to drift toward one of the Brooklyn Bridge's pillars. The ship's mast struck the bridge shortly before 8:30 p.m. on Saturday.

All lanes of the Brooklyn Bridge were briefly closed in both directions following the incident but reopened by 10:30 p.m., according to New York emergency officials.

“While inspections will remain ongoing, there are no signs of structural damage to the Brooklyn Bridge at this time,” said Fabien Levy, a spokesperson for New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

All about Cuauhtémoc Ship 

The ARM Cuauhtémoc (BE01) is a three-masted barque that serves as a sail training vessel for the Mexican Navy. Commissioned in 1982, it was constructed at the Celaya Shipyards in Bilbao, Spain, and designed by renowned Spanish naval architect Juan José Romero de Larrañaga.

The ship is named after Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor (tlatoani) of Tenochtitlán, who ruled from 1520 to 1521. The name “Cuauhtémoc” comes from the Nahuatl language and translates to “Descending Eagle” (cuāuhtli meaning eagle and temōc meaning to descend).

The Cuauhtémoc plays a vital role in training Mexican naval cadets in navigation, seamanship, and maritime traditions. In addition to its educational mission, the vessel also serves as a floating ambassador of goodwill, embarking on international voyages to promote cultural exchange.