A tanker crashed into a docked cruise ship on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, causing the passenger vessel to capsize and sending people into the water. Thirty-two people were taken to hospitals, but officials reported no fatalities.
The collision involved the tanker Atlantic Asphalt and the American Heritage, a river cruise ship operated by American Cruise Lines. The incident occurred near the Port of New Orleans at around 12:30 p.m. local time on November 13.
Authorities confirmed that everyone aboard the affected vessels had been accounted for. The successful rescue operation prevented what could have been a far more serious tragedy.
How the collision unfolded
The American Heritage was docked and preparing to disembark passengers when the tanker struck it. The impact caused the passenger vessel to take on water and begin listing. The ship eventually rolled onto its side and sank in the Mississippi River. Passengers and crew members scrambled to escape, with some falling into the water.
Nearby vessels, port workers, harbor police officers, firefighters, and Coast Guard personnel joined the rescue effort. Responders pulled people from the river and helped others reach safety.
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said 32 passengers were taken to local hospitals. None had critical injuries, according to officials. Two harbor police officers were also hospitalized after taking part in the rescue.
The number of people aboard was reported differently in early accounts. The Port of New Orleans cited approximately 129 passengers, in addition to crew members, while other reports gave a higher total for everyone aboard.
Investigators examine the cause
The tanker was identified as the Atlantic Asphalt. Officials said it appeared to have experienced a steering problem, but the exact cause of the collision remains unknown. The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the incident and closed a section of the Mississippi River to vessel traffic while emergency crews worked at the scene.
The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to investigate the collision, including what caused the tanker to strike the docked passenger vessel and how the impact led to the cruise ship capsizing.
The American Heritage was built in 2015 and operated Mississippi River cruises for American Cruise Lines. It was returning to New Orleans at the end of a multi-day trip.
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