VIDEO: Mexican Navy Vessel Loses Control, Hits Docked Ferry At Isla Mujeres Port

A Mexican Navy patrol vessel collided with a docked cargo ferry at the port of Isla Mujeres on Thursday after a suspected mechanical failure during a routine manoeuvre, authorities said.

No injuries were reported, but both vessels were damaged and an investigation is underway.

The vessel, the coastal patrol ship ARM Uxmal (PC-335), was approaching the pier in Mexico’s Fifth Naval Region when it lost control and struck the Ro-Ro cargo ferry Ultracarga III, which was already docked at the time.

According to the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), the incident occurred during a manoeuvring approach and may have been caused by a failure in the vessel’s clutch system.

The Navy described the impact as an “unintentional contact” and said technical teams are examining both vessels in coordination with port authorities.

Videos shared on social media showed the patrol ship moving toward the ferry without slowing down before the collision. People at the terminal can be heard shouting warnings moments before impact.

Local reports, including from newspaper Reforma, suggested a possible malfunction in the vessel’s computerized systems, including a microcontroller issue that may have prevented steering and braking responses.

The Navy has not confirmed these details.

[English] 21/06/2026

“Mexican Navy Accident”

June 18, 2026. A Mexican Navy ‘ARM Uxmal’ (P-335), Tenochtitlan-class coastal patrol vessel colliding with the “Ultracarga III” cargo ferry at the Isla Mujeres port. No casualties reported. Suspected caused by a mechanical failure. https://t.co/M6PvV8Fddb pic.twitter.com/qyW4uImdP9

— Elizabeth Vstx (@EVostox) June 20, 2026

SEMAR said maritime safety procedures were activated immediately after the accident and that technical evaluations are ongoing to determine the cause and extent of damage. No injuries were reported among crew members or port personnel.

The ferry operator Ultramar and the naval authorities have not yet released full details on the damage.

The incident comes just over a year after another major Mexican Navy accident involving the training ship ARM Cuauhtémoc BE-01.

In May 2025, that vessel struck the Brooklyn Bridge in New York during departure manoeuvres after reportedly losing power and steering control, resulting in two deaths and multiple injuries.

The U.S. Coast Guard later classified it as a major marine casualty, and investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are still ongoing.

In that case, initial findings pointed to loss of power and steering failure, with visible damage including scraped paint and a deformed rudder post.

The Mexican Navy said it will continue technical and administrative investigations to determine exactly what caused the failure.

References: The Week, Progesohoy