New York, NY – May 18, 2025 — The collision of the Mexican Navy's tall ship Cuauhtémoc with the Brooklyn Bridge has left two young cadets dead, 11 crew members in serious condition, dozens more injured, and families across two nations searching for answers.
Among those lost were 20-year-old cadet América Yamileth Sánchez Hernández and 23-year-old sailor Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos; promising young people whose families now face not only grief, but complex questions about their legal rights.
In our decades of representing maritime accident victims, we've learned that behind every news report about "mechanical failure" or "ongoing investigations" are real people dealing with trauma, mounting medical bills, and sleepless nights filled with questions.
If you were injured aboard the Cuauhtémoc, witnessed the accident, or lost someone you love, understanding your legal options may be more crucial—and time-sensitive—than you realize.
If you have questions about your legal options, our experienced Maritime accident lawyers can help. Call (212) 268-3222 or complete an online case evaluation.
What Happened When the Cuauhtémoc Met Disaster
Maritime accident survivors often describe the same disorienting moment to us: one second, you're admiring the view or going about your routine. Next, physics and fate conspire to turn your world upside down.
Saturday evening, as Mexico's celebrated "Knight of the Seas," the 297-foot Cuauhtémoc transformed from a symbol of international goodwill into the center of a devastating accident.
The majestic three-masted barque, which had spent the week docked at South Street Seaport Museum drawing admiring crowds, was departing Pier 17 when everything went catastrophically wrong.
Witnesses observed the vessel suddenly reverse at high speed under motor power, grinding backward beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. The ship's towering 147 foot masts snapped like matchsticks against the steel span. Several cadets positioned high in the rigging fell as the ship's 25,500 square feet of sail area collapsed around them.
A tugboat had assisted the Cuauhtémoc from its berth, but was reportedly unable to redirect or control the massive vessel as it careened toward the bridge. Whether the cause was strong current, high winds, mechanical failure, crew error, or some combination of factors remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
What we do know is this: accidents involving foreign government vessels, international crews, and U.S. waterways create complex legal questions that most families are completely unprepared to navigate while dealing with injuries, loss, and trauma.
Maritime Laws: Your Legal Rights Don't Stop at the Border
When we first meet with Mexican families after a maritime accident in U.S. waters, they often ask the same question: "Do we even have the right to pursue this in American courts?" It's completely understandable. You're dealing with grief or injuries, and the idea of navigating a foreign legal system can feel overwhelming.
Here's what we want you to know: your citizenship doesn't eliminate your legal options.
Yes, it does create additional layers of complexity, but that's exactly why an experienced maritime injury lawyer matters in cases like these.
The Legal Framework That Protects You
Mexican citizens injured in U.S. waters generally have the right to pursue claims in U.S. courts under federal maritime law, provided the incident occurred within U.S. jurisdiction and liability can be established.
Let's break down the key legal protections that apply to your situation:
1. Federal Admiralty Jurisdiction The collision happened in New York Harbor, which means specialized maritime courts have authority over this type of case—even though the Cuauhtémoc belongs to the Mexican Navy. This is crucial because it establishes that U.S. courts definitely have the power to hear your case.
2. Sovereign Immunity Exceptions You might be thinking, "But can you really sue a foreign government?" The Mexican Navy's status as a foreign military entity doesn't automatically bar claims. Specific laws—the Suits in Admiralty Act and Public Vessels Act—actually waive immunity for negligence claims involving government-owned ships operating in U.S. waters.
3. Jones Act Protections For crew members or trainees who were working aboard the vessel, there's another layer of protection. Mexican nationals may qualify under the Jones Act if they meet certain criteria about their role on the ship, providing additional avenues for compensation beyond what's available to passengers.
4. General Maritime Law Benefits Since the collision occurred in U.S. territorial waters, you may be able to seek non-pecuniary damages—legal terminology for compensation that goes beyond just medical bills and lost wages to include emotional suffering and loss of companionship.
Who May Be Responsible: Exploring Liability In The Cuauhtémoc Boat Accident
In cases like the Cuauhtémoc collision, liability may be spread across multiple parties, each with their own insurance carriers and legal teams.
In this incident, there may be multiple layers of potential liability:
- The Mexican Navy and vessel operators may face questions about whether the Cuauhtémoc was properly maintained, whether crew training was adequate, and whether established safety protocols were followed during departure.
- Tugboat operators are now under scrutiny. Why did the tugboat disengage when it did? Was it premature? Did the tugboat crew have proper communication with the Cuauhtémoc's bridge? If the collision resulted from errors by a U.S.-based tugboat operator, liability could arise under 33 CFR § 164.11, which mandates safe navigation practices.
- Harbor pilots or Port authorities may bear responsibility for the procedures—or lack thereof—that governed how a vessel of this size should navigate the East River, especially near the Brooklyn Bridge. New York requires foreign vessels to use licensed harbor pilots (NY Navigation Law § 89-b). Negligent piloting (e.g., miscalculating bridge clearance) could lead to liability under precedents like The China (1868).
- Third-party maintenance contractors could be liable if mechanical failures contributed to the accident. Modern ships rely on complex systems, and if routine maintenance was deferred or performed incorrectly, those responsible parties may face claims.
- Government entities on both sides of the border may have obligations under international maritime treaties that most people have never heard of but that could be crucial to your case.
Boat injury cases are rarely as simple as they first appear. The challenge lies in understanding which legal theories apply across international boundaries, which parties bear responsibility, and how to navigate the complex intersection of U.S. maritime law, international treaties, and the fundamental principle that your nationality shouldn't determine whether you receive justice.
What Compensation You May Be Entitled To
In our experience representing Mexican nationals in U.S. maritime cases, families are often surprised to learn the scope of compensation that may be available:
- Medical expenses — Not just what you've already paid, but future treatment costs that doctors say you'll need
- Lost wages and earning capacity — In maritime law, this can include the loss of income potential over your entire remaining work life
- Pain and suffering — The emotional trauma you're experiencing right now is real and legally compensable
- Wrongful death benefits — Including funeral expenses and the financial support your loved one would have provided
- Permanent disability compensation — If injuries change your quality of life, the law recognizes that impact
- Loss of companionship — For spouses and children who lost someone in the accident
Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
One aspect of maritime law that often catches families off guard is how quickly deadlines can approach. Here are the critical time limits you need to know:
- Three-year statute of limitations for most maritime wrongful death claims
- Different deadlines may apply depending on whether the incident occurred in territorial waters versus the high seas
- Evidence preservation becomes more difficult as time passes
- Witness memories fade, and physical evidence may be altered or destroyed
We mention this not to add pressure during an already difficult time, but because we've seen families lose their rights entirely by waiting too long to seek legal guidance. The clock started ticking on May 17th.
How Raphaelson & Levine Guides Families Through Complex Maritime Cases
At Raphaelson & Levine, our team includes Spanish-speaking attorneys who've walked this difficult path with Mexican families before.
We bring empathy and an understanding of cultural expectations about how families make decisions together. This often involves coordinating with Mexican consular services, especially when families need help with visas to stay near injured loved ones or when they're dealing with repatriation of remains.
Most importantly, we ensure you fully understand your rights under both U.S. and international law without feeling rushed or pressured.
We pride ourselves on being "The Voice of the Injured"—and that voice needs to speak your language, understand your concerns, and respect the gravity of what you're going through.
When families are far from home, dealing with a foreign legal system, and trying to make sense of a tragedy that never should have happened, they deserve injury attorneys who see them as whole people, not just legal problems to solve.
Why Our Maritime Accident Lawyers’ Experience Matters
We've handled complex transportation accidents for decades, but maritime law is a specialized field that many attorneys avoid—frankly, because it's complicated.
The intersection of federal maritime law, international treaties, and state personal injury statutes isn't something you pick up overnight. When your family is dealing with a crisis, you need attorneys who already know these waters.
Here’s what makes Raphaelson & Levine the firm you can trust:
- Decades of Maritime and Complex Injury Expertise
- Raphaelson & Levine has successfully represented victims in complex transportation and maritime accidents, including ferry crashes, cruise ship injuries, and port facility incidents. Their team understands the intricate intersection of maritime law, sovereign immunity, and personal injury statutes.
- Proven Results Against Institutional Defendants
- Whether it’s a government entity, foreign vessel, or corporate maritime operator, Raphaelson & Levine has fought—and won—against powerful institutions. In this case, claims may involve the Mexican government, the port authority, or even third-party maintenance contractors. The firm has a track record of navigating international and governmental liability with precision and tenacity.
- Compassionate, Client-First Representation
- You’re not just a case number. Raphaelson & Levine prides itself on being “The Voice of the Injured”—they take the time to understand your story, your suffering, and your long-term needs. Whether you’re dealing with spinal injuries, PTSD, or the death of a loved one, they provide personalized, hands-on support throughout your journey.
Our approach often involves working with maritime engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, and medical experts who understand the unique injuries that occur in ship accidents.
We've found that thorough investigation early in the process—before evidence disappears or witnesses' memories fade—can make the difference between a marginal settlement and full compensation.
Questions We Hear From Families Like Yours
We know you're probably grappling with concerns that go far beyond legal strategy. In our experience, clients in your situation—particularly those who may be far from home or dealing with language barriers—often worry about:
How can I navigate the U.S. legal system when English isn't my first language?
Our Spanish-speaking attorneys ensure you fully understand every aspect of your case. We also coordinate with Mexican consular services when needed and can work with families whether they're in Mexico or the United States.
How long will this legal process take?
Maritime cases can be complex, but we often secure interim support for medical expenses while building the strongest possible case for full compensation.
What if I can't afford an injury attorney?
We handle maritime accident cases on a contingency fee basis. “No win, no fee” means you don't pay attorney fees unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, and we cover all case expenses during the litigation process.
What if the accident was partially my fault?
Even if you think you may have contributed to your injuries, you may still be entitled to significant compensation under maritime law principles.
How do I deal with insurance companies from multiple countries?
We handle all communications with insurers, government entities, and opposing counsel. Our experience includes working with both U.S. and international maritime insurance companies.
Your Next Steps: Get A Free Lawyer Consultation
If you were injured, or if you lost a loved one, in the Cuauhtémoc Brooklyn Bridge collision don't assume that "it was an accident" means you have no recourse. Maritime law often provides protections and remedies that may not be obvious.
The trauma you've experienced is real. Your concerns about the future are valid. And your right to seek justice shouldn't be complicated by legal complexity you didn't ask to navigate.
We've seen too many cases where victims accepted inadequate settlements or gave up entirely because they didn't understand their rights.
We offer free consultations for maritime accident victims because we believe you deserve to understand your options without any financial pressure. During our conversation, we'll review the specific facts of your situation, explain your legal options, and help you make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Don't wait to protect your legal rights.
You can reach us at (212) 268-3222 or through our online case evaluation form. We're here when you're ready, and are prepared to fight for the justice you deserve.
