A Mexican Navy training ship collided with the Brooklyn Bridge late Saturday, snapping all three of its masts and triggering a rescue operation beneath the iconic New York City landmark.

The vessel, the Cuauhtemoc, was reportedly carrying about 200 people when it struck the bridge while reversing under it, according to multiple U.S. media outlets. Built in 1982, the barque has a mast height of 48.2 meters (158 feet).

Witnesses described a chaotic scene along the East River as the ship, with its sails furled and lights strung along its rigging, appeared to glide backward beneath the bridge. Its masts then shattered on impact, with debris crashing into the river.

Some reports indicated that sailors were in the rigging when the ship hit the structure. Witnesses told The New York Post they saw individuals fall into the water during the collision.

The Cuauhtemoc was engaged in a training maneuver at the time of the incident and sustained damage in what the Mexican Navy described as a “mishap.” In a statement posted on X, the Navy said the condition of those on board was “under review” by local authorities.

“The Ministry of the Navy reaffirms its commitment to the safety of its personnel, transparency in its operations and excellence in the training of future officers of the Mexican Navy,” the statement said.

Emergency services responded to the scene, and an investigation into the incident is expected. There were no immediate reports of fatalities, though the extent of injuries, if any, remains unclear.

The Cuauhtemoc serves as a training vessel for future Mexican naval officers and is well known for making goodwill visits to international ports.