2 Killed, 20 Injured After Mexican Navy Ship Smashed Into Brooklyn Bridge

Cuauhtémoc, Mexican Navy Ship, Crashed Into Brooklyn Bridge Causing Mask to Snap and Injured 20 In The Process

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (May 17, 2025) – Two people have tragically died, and 20 people were injured after a Mexican Navy ship being pulled by a tug collided with the Brooklyn Bridge.

New York City officials are saying that the Cuauhtémoc was on an international goodwill tour when it lost power. The mast of the ship proceeded to collide into the side of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Video footage of the incident shows the ship lit up in lights. The ship was apparently being pulled by a tug when the incident took place. At least 20 crew members were injured in the collision.

Of the injured, 11 people were listed in critical condition. Tragically, two people have died due to the severe nature of their injuries.

At least 277 people were aboard the ship when the crash took place. A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for New York City Boat Accidents

Many people are killed or seriously injured in boating accidents every year in the United States. According to the United States Coast Guard, “The fatality rate was 4.9 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, a 9.3 percent decrease from last year’s rate of 5.4 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels. (In 1971, when the Safe Boating Act was first passed, the rate was 20.6 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels.)” There are a number of different factors that could contribute to accidents.

• Operator Error: Error on the part of boat operators remains one of the leading causes of boat accidents. This could come in many forms, including poor decision-making in the event of an emergency.
• Alcohol or Drug Use: Despite what many people may believe, it is illegal to operate a boat or watercraft under the influence of alcohol in much the same way it is illegal to operate a car under the influence.
• Excessive Speed: Boat accidents are dramatically more likely if the operator of the boat was traveling at an unsafe speed. Speeding increases the risk of capsizing and makes it harder for operators to avoid colliding with objects.

Boat operators have a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely at all times. They must exercise due care to avoid colliding with swimmers, other boats, and fixed objects. Boat operators must follow both state law, US Coast Guard regulations, and widely accepted navigation practices. If a boat operator fails to exercise due care in order to avoid colliding with a bridge or some other fixed object, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Depending on the facts of any case, the operator of a tugboat could also potentially be liable for any boat accident. Pursuant to 33 CFR § 164.11, tugboat operators must maintain proper control of all vehicles under tow or escort. They must maintain a safe speed and direction to avoid collisions, even under highly adverse weather conditions. Victims of boat accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries.

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Lacerations
• Spinal cord injuries
• Death

Boat accidents tend to be highly complex events. The factors that may contribute to any boat accident could take place hours, days, or even weeks before the event. In particular, boat accidents could be due in part to operators that are simply inexperienced. It is important that victims of boat accidents understand that they do have legal options. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.

Investigating New York City Boat Accidents

We at GLK Law extend our deepest condolences to the families of the crew who lost their lives in this Mexican navy ship accident. It is our sincere hope that all of the injured victims will be able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. There needs to be a thorough investigation into all of the decisions and actions that led up to this accident.

Do you need more information about a New York City boat accident? Our team of New York boat accident attorneys is here to assist you in any way that we can. We are committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and holding negligent parties fully accountable under the law for their misconduct. In fact, we have successfully recovered over $1 billion for our deserving clients. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can contact our office anytime at (516) 908-9792.