Brooklyn Bridge is hit by ship carrying 200 people as search and rescue operation is launched

By SONYA GUGLIARA and SOPHIE GABLE and SAMANTHA RUTT FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: 02:15 BST, 18 May 2025 | Updated: 03:16 BST, 18 May 2025

A ship carrying 200 people has collided with the Brooklyn Bridge as it was passing beneath the iconic structure, igniting a rescue operation. 

Jaw-dropping footage posted online shows the moment a Mexican Navy ship’s 147-foot mast collided with the bridge just before 9pm on Friday night. 

It appears Navy personnel were standing on the masts as the tragedy struck.

A search and rescue operation has been launched to pull people from the frigid water of the East River. 

It is understood at least three people are in critical condition and about a dozen others are severely injured, officials said.

Victims are being taken to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Those who have suffered injuries are been transported to local hospitals. 

The Coast Guard confirmed to DailyMail.com emergency efforts are currently underway.  

Shocked onlookers could be seen gathering on the nearby pier watching the horrifying moment unfold. 

The vessel was seen in horrifying footage colliding with Brooklyn Bridge just before 9pm on Friday night 

The ship’s mast was seen snapping backwards as the boat continued to drift under the bridge

‘That sh*t’s about to crash,’ one terrified witness exclaimed as the boat, bearing a large Mexican flag, was seconds away from disaster. 

‘Oh sh*t!’ he screamed as people flocked away from the pier when the boat, named the Cuauhtémo, collided with the bridge – causing the masts to plummet onto the deck and sending passengers into the water. 

In an X statement, the Mexican Navy explained in Spanish: ‘During the sailing maneuver of the Cuauhtémoc sailboat in New York, a mishap occurred with the Brooklyn Bridge, causing damage to the training ship, preventing the continuation of the training cruise for the time being.

‘The status of personnel and equipment is being reviewed by naval and local authorities, who are providing support. 

‘The Navy reaffirms its commitment to personnel safety, transparency in its operations, and excellent training for future officers of the Mexican Navy.’ 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams told amNewYork he was supposed to visit the ‘prestigious’ boat this week. 

‘I will take a ride over there now and told the team to give me a helicopter and a boat so we could go look at what happened,’ he said shortly after the incident.

‘It appears as though one of the mast hits the structure, and I’m gonna get a briefing right now.’

‘That sh*t’s about to crash,’ one terrified witness exclaimed as the boat, bearing a large Mexican flag, was seconds away from disaster

The boat sustained damage to its mast but continued to pass under the bridge connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn.

A bystander at the scene told DailyMail.com the emergency response was ‘insane’ and said boats continue to check the water. 

This is a breaking news story. More to come.  

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Brooklyn Bridge is hit by ship carrying 200 people as search and rescue operation is launched

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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk