A large Mexican Navy vessel slammed the bottom of the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday night while sailing through the East River, leaving two dead and injuring 19 others, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Adams said during a Saturday night press conference that 19 individuals were injured, including four who were “seriously” injured. They were moved to Bellevue Hospital. No one fell into the water.
“Our hearts go out to the family members, and many family members are going to be traveling here from Mexico. We want to make sure we collaborate with the ambassador and his team to give them the proper information at the hospital,” Adams said.
Adams confirmed early Sunday morning that two of the four individuals who were seriously injured passed away.
“We are praying for everyone on board and their families and are grateful to our first responders who quickly jumped into action, ensuring this accident wasn’t much worse,” he wrote.
Videos circulating on social media show the ship’s three masts snapping when hitting the underside of the bridge. The ship remained upright, going to the edge of the river and stopping as observers on shore ran.
The Mexican Navy wrote on the social media platform X that Cuauhtemoc, a sail training ship, sustained damage in an accident and that the status of equipment and personnel onboard is being reviewed by naval and local authorities.
A total of 277 people were onboard. The ship was sailing to Iceland.
“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,” the Mexican Navy added.
The National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the incident.
Updated at 7:15 a.m.