Mexican Navy Ship with Tragic Past Arrives in San Francisco for Free Public Tours

The Mexican Navy tall ship ARM Cuauhtémoc (BE-01), the vessel involved in a deadly crash with the Brooklyn Bridge over a year ago, has arrived in San Francisco Bay for a four-day visit. The nearly 300-foot ship, which is offering free public tours, is celebrating the maritime relationship between the United States and Mexico.

Upon its arrival Wednesday morning, the Cuauhtémoc was met by sailors standing atop its yardarms. City officials conducted a ceremonial welcome aboard the vessel, featuring music and folkloric dancers. The Mexican Consul General in San Francisco highlighted Mexico's status as a top foreign tourist market for the city and the significant presence of the Mexican community in the Bay Area's economy.

This visit marks a notable contrast to the ship's previous encounter with American infrastructure. In May 2025, the Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge while departing New York City. The incident resulted in the deaths of two sailors and injuries to 17 others. The ship was carrying a crew of 277 and was en route to Iceland at the time of the accident.

Now, just over a year later, the same vessel is open to the public in San Francisco. The Cuauhtémoc will be docked at Piers 15-17 through Sunday, offering visitors a chance to explore the ship at no cost. This public engagement is part of a larger 92-day training cruise that will take the crew through Mexico, the United States, and Canada. It is the first time the ship has visited San Francisco in 17 years.

Constructed in Spain in 1982, the ARM Cuauhtémoc has a long history of international voyages, visiting more than 234 ports in 75 countries and accumulating numerous sailing honors. The current cruise aims to foster the seafaring spirit, enhance naval education, and convey a message of peace and goodwill from the Mexican people.