Mexican naval vessel that collided with Brooklyn Bridge is towed across East River for repairs.

A Mexican naval vessel, the ARM Cuauhtémoc, which struck the Brooklyn Bridge last month, was towed across the East River to the Brooklyn Navy Yard on Friday morning for necessary repairs, city officials have confirmed. The towing operation began under a safety zone established by the U.S. Coast Guard, ensuring secure navigation during the transfer.

On May 17, 2025, the vessel was involved in a tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of two crew members when its masts collided with the bridge’s underside. The masts snapped off upon impact, leaving several personnel suspended in their harnesses but fortunately preventing anyone from falling into the river, as captured in footage of the incident.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been conducting an investigation to determine the cause of this accident. Preliminary insights suggest that engine failure, along with strong currents in the East River, may have contributed to the incident. Reports indicate that shortly before the crash, the ship had accelerated backward, reaching speeds close to 6 knots. At 8:24 p.m., a radio call for assistance was issued, only seconds before the AR Cuauhtémoc’s masts struck the Brooklyn Bridge.

Despite the serious nature of the collision, the bridge sustained no significant damage and was never at risk of collapse, according to officials. City Emergency Management representatives noted that the safety zone established during the towing operation resulted in minor delays for the Staten Island Ferry service, but the Cuauhtémoc was successfully docked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard by 7:30 a.m. on Friday.

The vessel was reportedly heading for Iceland but encountered difficulties that led to its unintended drift toward the Brooklyn Bridge, which features a clearance of approximately 30 feet beneath the masts. It was slated to refuel in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, prior to exiting New York Harbor and had never been intended to pass under the iconic bridge.

In the aftermath of the collision, at least 19 crew members received medical treatment for injuries, including 11 who were initially reported in critical condition. The two deceased were later identified as 20-year-old America Yamilet Sanchez and 23-year-old Adal Jair Marcos. The investigation by the NTSB and other authorities continues as they seek to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic maritime incident.