A large tanker collided with a docked river cruise ship on the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Friday, November 13, causing the passenger vessel to capsize and sending dozens of people into the water. Authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew survived the accident, although 32 people were taken to hospitals following a major rescue operation near the Port of New Orleans.
The crash involved the Atlantic Asphalt tanker and the American Heritage, a five-story paddlewheel cruise ship operated by American Cruise Lines. The collision occurred around 12:30 p.m. local time while passengers were preparing to leave the riverboat. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said approximately 180 people were aboard, including passengers and crew members.
What Happened in the New Orleans Boat Crash?
The Atlantic Asphalt tanker struck the American Heritage while the cruise ship was docked outside 1350 Port of New Orleans Place.
Port officials said the American Heritage had arrived approximately two hours before the collision and was completing passenger disembarkation.
Video footage showed the much larger tanker striking the side of the stationary riverboat. The impact damaged the passenger vessel, causing it to take on water and begin leaning toward the river.
Within minutes, the American Heritage started rolling onto its side. Passengers attempted to escape as the vessel became partially submerged, while others were thrown into the Mississippi River.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene as the cruise ship continued overturning.
How Many People Were Injured in the Collision?
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno confirmed that 32 people were transported to local hospitals after the accident.
None of the hospitalized individuals suffered critical injuries, according to officials. Two police officers involved in the rescue operation were among those requiring medical treatment.
Authorities initially reported approximately 129 passengers aboard the American Heritage. The total number increased to around 180 after crew members and other personnel were included.
Emergency responders evacuated approximately 87 people before the riverboat completely rolled onto its side.
“We have zero people unaccounted for, which truly is a miracle on the Mississippi,” Moreno said during a news conference.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also described the successful rescue operation as extraordinary.
“This is a miracle. It is a literal miracle on the Mississippi,” Landry said.
Rescue Teams Pulled Passengers From the Mississippi River
The New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans Police Department, Port of New Orleans Harbor Police and U.S. Coast Guard participated in the emergency response.
Tugboat operators, nearby maritime workers and other vessels also helped rescue passengers who had fallen into the river.
Some survivors were wearing life jackets, while others held flotation devices as rescuers approached.
The river’s water temperature was approximately 66 degrees Fahrenheit, or 19 degrees Celsius, at the time of the accident.
Passengers who escaped without injuries were taken to a nearby facility, where cruise officials conducted a roll call to confirm everyone was accounted for.
Many travelers lost personal belongings, including identification documents, mobile phones and car keys. Local officials arranged assistance with food, accommodation, transportation and communication with relatives.
What Caused the Tanker to Hit the Cruise Ship?
Investigators are examining whether the Atlantic Asphalt experienced a steering failure before striking the American Heritage.
U.S. Coast Guard Captain Melanie Burnham said the tanker appeared to have experienced “some type of loss of steering.”
However, officials emphasized that the precise cause had not been established.
The Atlantic Asphalt is a 520-foot tanker registered in the Marshall Islands. The vessel is designed to transport asphalt and bitumen, materials commonly used in road construction.
The tanker was traveling upriver when it struck the docked passenger ship.
The U.S. Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board opened investigations into the incident, including the vessel’s mechanical condition and movements before impact.
What Is Known About the American Heritage Cruise Ship?
The American Heritage is a river cruise vessel operated by American Cruise Lines. Built in 2015, the five-story paddlewheel ship can accommodate approximately 150 passengers.
The vessel was completing an eight-day cruise featuring destinations along the Mississippi River in Louisiana and Mississippi.
New Orleans was the final destination when the tanker struck the ship during passenger disembarkation.
American Cruise Lines confirmed that passengers and crew had been evacuated following the accident.
“Guests and crew were evacuated, and we are deeply concerned for everyone involved,” the company said.
The operator subsequently arranged hotel accommodations and additional assistance for affected travelers.
Mississippi River Closed as Investigation Continues
The U.S. Coast Guard temporarily closed the Mississippi River between mile markers 93 and 96 to allow emergency personnel to complete rescue operations and assess the damaged vessels.
The National Transportation Safety Board also began preparing its investigation. However, investigators initially faced travel difficulties because of a separate nationwide FAA ground stop that disrupted flights across the United States on Friday.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the accident and thanked Governor Jeff Landry for his response.
By Friday evening, authorities had confirmed that everyone aboard the American Heritage had been accounted for and no fatalities had been reported.
The damaged riverboat remained partially submerged near the Port of New Orleans as federal investigators worked to determine why the tanker struck the stationary vessel.
Leave a Reply