May 18, 2025 – New York City
A ship carrying 277 passengers collided with the Brooklyn Bridge earlier today, triggering a large-scale emergency response and search and rescue operation in the waters surrounding the iconic structure.
The incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. local time, when the vessel—identified as a mid-sized cruise liner traveling along the East River—struck one of the bridge’s support structures during a routine transit. Eyewitnesses reported a loud crash followed by visible structural damage to part of the bridge’s undercarriage and chaos onboard as alarms blared.
Emergency services, including the U.S. Coast Guard, FDNY Marine Units, and NYPD helicopters, quickly mobilized to evacuate the passengers and crew. Divers were dispatched into the river to search for any individuals who may have gone overboard during the impact.
City officials have confirmed that at least dozens have been rescued, with several injured, though no fatalities have been reported as of the latest update. Hospitals across Manhattan and Brooklyn are on standby to receive the injured.
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the public in a brief press conference just after noon:
“Our emergency teams are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of everyone involved. The situation remains fluid, but our first responders are trained for this. We urge the public to stay clear of the area as the investigation and rescue continue.”
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Early reports suggest a possible navigation system failure or human error, but officials are not ruling out other scenarios, including mechanical issues or poor visibility.
The Brooklyn Bridge has been temporarily closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic as engineers assess the extent of the structural damage. Commuters are advised to use alternate routes, including the Manhattan Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
